Tingplik Express

An NSCN (IM) functionary negotiating with Dimapur DC and SP in the presence of Dobashis during the stand-off between the DDCG and NSCN (IM) at Wungram Colony, Purana Bazar on June 6. (Morung Photos/Zakir)

Dimapur | June 6 : The Dimapur District Co-ordination Group assisted by around 800 armed police, IRB and  Assam Rifles personnel today conducted a thirteen-hour ‘flush out’ exercise in different colonies of Dimapur town and also in the nearby villages where presence of armed underground cadres were reported. The cadres were forced out from the civilian areas.

Today’s exercise comes in the wake of the government’s directive to the underground cadres to vacate civilian areas by June 10 and similarly, the directive from the Dimapur administration to the armed cadres to leave public places within 24 hours, on June 4.  

Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Maongwati Aier informing that the ‘flush out’ started from around 5 am, said that the DDCG even forced out armed underground cadres from Showuba, Seithikima and Xhelhozhe villages. These areas have witnessed continuous factional fighting, the latest being the June 4 incident where 12 cadres were killed.

Claiming the exercise was ‘very successful,’ Maongwati Aier said that through the ‘flush out’ exercise, a message that the town and villages are not places for armed undergrounds to stay and that the cadres should stay in their own designated camps, has been sent out. He also said some incriminating documents, uniforms, arms and ammunitions were also recovered during the raids.

The DC informed that armed cadres from Dimapur town and its adjoining areas have been ‘flushed out’ and added that security forces will be now stationed at Wungram colony and Showuba areas. Concerning outskirt areas, Aier disclosed that a number of armed “Unification” and NSCN (IM) cadres camping in the Seithikima, Xhelozhe and Showuba sides, have been evicted. He further added that four companies of IRB personnel have been stationed in the said area and they will camp there until situation normalizes.

The administration also informed that the coordination group visited Patkai Christian College and checked the hostels especially men’s hostels which have around 500 odd boarders. The visit gains significance since the “NSCN/GPRN” had on several occasions alleged that Patkai Christian College is sheltering NSCN (IM) cadres inside the college campus. The DC said to have advised the principal of the college not to allow any visitors into the hostels.

The “flush out” which was carried out very peacefully, however, some tense moments at Wungrum colony was experienced. This resulted in a nearly 7-hour standoff between the DDCG and the NSCN (IM). The Deputy Commissioner said that he had a “face-to-face” talk with the “deputy commander-in-chief” of the NSCN (IM) armed wing. After a lengthy discussion, the “deputy c-in-c” agreed to vacate the area on the condition that the district administration provides full security to the public living in the colony. The administration agreed to this.

The DC also disclosed that a company of IRB personnel will be stationed in the colony to ensure that young children, womenfolk and the innocent public are protected. It may be recalled that Wungrum colony in April, 2007 was razed down by a mob. Besides, the areas, the District Co-ordination Committee led by Dimapur DC and SP assisted by GBs and DBs forced out cadres from Burma Camp, Borlengri, Khermahal, Middle Point and Kushiabill.

 

 

Dimapur, June 6 (MExN): The Nagaland government has instituted a high-powered committee to probe the reported May 14 abduction of six persons from Vihokhu village, Dimapur. The high-powered committee is DIG (Range) L Singset, IPS, as convener and Orenpomo, ADC, Commissioner’s office as member.

The terms of reference of the high-powered committee is “to enquire into the details of circumstances of the six missing persons of the Tangkhul community” from Vihokhu village since May 14; enquire into the whereabouts of the six missing persons whether dead or alive, and to find out the persons, groups or organizations responsible or suspected to be responsible for the six persons going missing.

A circular from the state government said that the committee is to submit its report within one-week time. 

 

Dimapur, June 6 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) today came out with a strong caution to the warring underground factions that the ongoing bloodbath should stop before the tired people decide to finally put their foot down. Pointing out that the factions ought to respect human life, the NPMHR also flayed the ongoing violence and bloodshed as a senseless orgy against humanity. Making these statements, the NPMHR has cautioned the possible advent of people reclaiming their ‘space.’ There is this ever-looming danger of losing the support of the Naga people, a statement from the NPMHR reminded.

“The armed cadres of all Naga political groups should respect human life and worth irrespective of the group affiliations or ideological difference. NPMHR appeals to all armed cadres to confine themselves in their respective designated camps before the common masses take to the street again for their just space” the NPMHR advised.

“How many deaths will it take till we know that too many people have died? There is an ever looming danger of losing the much required people’s support towards the current peace process and political talks if the desire of the people to put to a halt to all violence is brushed aside unheeded” the organization said.

Referring to the unabated bloodbath as an “unimaginable instance of senseless orgy against humanity,” the statement pointed out that these stains of fratricidal blood ‘is not an honourable record for our posterity to keep and therefore the urgent need on the part of all Nagas including the armed resistance to focus our common initiative towards building space for truth to be upheld, repentance and forgiveness, reconciliation and unity of purpose leading towards a collective healing within our struggle today.’

The NPMHR also extended wholehearted support to the efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to bringing about understanding, reconciliation and to facilitate a common purpose for Naga people. It also expressed appreciation to the commitment of the Naga Hoho 9th General Assembly to vigorously continue with their efforts for impartiality, reconciliation and unity of the people and land.

The NPMHR further stood in solidarity with the sufferings of the common Naga people created by the ever escalating tension and bloodshed at this crucial period of transition and “growth process within our society.”

The work of the local administration to “clean off the civilian areas of illegal display and use of small arms” is supported. This “illegal display” is causing maximum devastation at this point of time and the local administration “should boldly stand up and face up to the situation and do their most to restore a sense of normalcy which has become alien to the current generation of Nagas” NPMHR stated.

The Government of India is also urged to be “sincere” in its commitment to resolving the protracted Naga political issue, to a logical conclusion where the rights and dignity of the Naga people are firmly restored and upheld.