144 CrPC promulgated; situation under control
Principal Correspondent
Kohima, February 7
Situation has been brought under control with the promulgation of 144 CrPC in Tuensang and there has not been any report of clash or arson from any quarter since last night.
After the imposition of 144 CrPC following Friday’s clash wherein two persons were killed, the administration imposed prohibitory orders restricting gathering of people and movement vehicles, Tuensang police sources said.
Commuters plying on NST bus to Dimapur, Kohima and other places are being provided with escort while plying of private vehicles completely restricted. Moreover, following the prohibitory orders business establishments have also been shut down.The situation though still tense, but has been brought under control with deployment of additional forces of IR battalions. A company of 14 IRB from Kiphire district reached yesterday control further escalation of the situation while another company from 11 IR Battalion Kohima are expected reach by late tonight.
There have no reports Sources however revealed that public transportation, except for NST were restricted plying on the road.
Meanwhile, police today said that the simmering tension between the two tribes started with the boy identified Changma Chang (14) being killed reportedly by some armed miscreants at a field in between Satakor and Chingmilen village at around 10 am on Friday.
In retaliation the angry mob went up to Tuensang Town and beat up one Thrimhokiu Yimchunger. The victim was rushed to the hospital in an unconscious condition but the mob reportedly went inside the hospital beating him to death.
Police said that five persons have been arrested in connection with the killing of Thrimhokiu while hunt to nab the other culprits concerning the entire case is on.
Police also recovered seized one .22 country made pistol along six live rounds.
Further, the district administration has issued orders to 10 villages falling within the circle of the dispute to submit all forms arms ammunition to the nearest police station to check movement of armed miscreants.
Governor, Chief Minister express concerns over Tuensang violence
Governor of Nagaland P.B. Acharya and Chief Minister T R Zeliang have expressed concerns over the recent incidents in Tuensang district in which two persons were killed including one minor boy.
In a statement, the Governor has appealed to the people of Tuensang to maintain peace and harmony among the tribes. The Governor appealed to the NGOs including student bodies to help maintain peace and healthy atmosphere, which is essential for development.
The Governor observed that violence is not the answer, and if there is any dispute, dialogue is the only answer. “The Deputy Commissioners of respective districts should take initiatives to solve the problem in the initial stage itself. Our default should not be the reason for the violence,” stated P B Acharya..
The Governor is also of the view that those who are responsible for violence and murder should be brought to book immediately to restore confidence in the minds of the affected people.
The Governor also observed that Government officials must understand the situation well in advance and try to solve the problem before it flares up, for which contact with the public will be helpful to understand the mood of the people. Our intelligence network should be tuned up with the realities and government officials should take preventive measures to solve the disputes.
The Governor appreciated the measures announced by the State Government for restoring normalcy in Tuensang district. “Officials and villagers concerned should follow the guidelines issued by the State Government.
Compensations announced must reach the victims in time without delay,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister T.R.Zeliang said he is deeply anguished over the turn of events in Tuensang district leading to the loss of precious lives. Immediately on getting reports over the unfortunate incidents taking place in and around Tuensang town, he held a marathon meeting with top State civil and police officials along with elected members from Tuensang districts till late night of 6th February 6, said a statement from the CMO. After taking stock of the situation, the Chief Minister directed the officials to take immediate actions to bring the situation under control. He further directed the officials to take all preventive measures to avoid any situation as the administration should not be seen as performing the role of only a reporting agency.
The Chief Minister has appealed to all citizens of Tuensang district to shun all forms of violence and killings as any issue can be resolved by sitting across the table and not through such means of violence. He has also cautioned to all concerned to be wary of vested interests who may be instigating the people in order to fuel the situation. While all possible measures would be taken by the Government, he appealed to the civil societies to step forward and mediate so that all misunderstandings are resolved, and peace is restored in the area.
