Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 6
AGAINST the backdrop of simmering communal tension between the Rengma Nagas and Karbis in Karbi Anglong, Assam, members of Dimapur based civil societies today strongly voiced concerns at maintaining peace and to restore normalcy in the affected areas, even as it postponed its proposed goodwill peace mission to Karbi Anglong today. They said that innocent public should not be made to suffer for the act of anti-social elements.The house has expressed serious concern over the recent development in Karbi Anglong involving the Rengma Nagas and the Karbis which has affected the two communities resulting in killing and displacement from their home and hearth. The house noted with urgency to restore peace and normalcy in the affected areas at the earliest before it further escalates. The house also discussed its role as facilitator to restore peace and normalcy between the two communities in the affected areas.
The meeting convened by the Naga Council Dimapur was held in its conference hall and represented by members from Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), GBs and chairmen of colony and village council.
Terming the recent upheaval in Karbi Anglong to be the handiwork of some anti-social elements aimed at creating communal divide, the house viewed that the incident should not be taken as an issue between the Nagas and Karbis. While condemning the incident, the house also said innocent public should not made to suffer for the act of anti-social elements.
It may be mentioned here that Dimapur civil societies had taken up the issue with the visiting delegation from Karbi Anglong on Sunday. They had assured to provide adequate security to Karbis living in Dimapur and also urged their counterpart to reciprocate the same by providing security to Nagas living in Karbi Anglong.
Meanwhile, the proposal by the Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner to the civil societies today for a goodwill peace mission was postponed owing to the tour of three ministers from Assam to the affected areas.
The civil societies will undertake the goodwill peace mission when the Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong invites them next.
Last four bodies identified
FAMILIES and relatives of the victims of the mass killing on December 28 and recovered on January 4 in Pachaspura, Chumukedima have identified the remaining four bodies today. They have taken the bodies to their respective villages for the final rites.
The bodies identified were those of Dhorom Lekthe (16 years), son of Chandra Lekthe of Bhelughat Sarsing Tokpi village under Dokmoka Police Station; Hokur Singnar (23 years), son of Lokhiram Singnar of Bhelughat Sarsing Tokpi village under Dokmoka Police Station; Thengtom Signar (25 years), son of Longsing Signar of Chomang Rongpher village under Howraghat Police Station; and Protap Taro (19 years), son of late Biren Taro of Rensing Rongphi village under Howraghat Police Station.
KAPF opposes bandhs and blockades
THE Karbi Anglong Peace Forum (KAPF), comprising 30 civil and student organizations of Karbi Anglong, while reiterated to the public of Assam and Nagaland that it is committed to work for peace and restoration of normalcy at any cost. In this connection the KAPF informed all concerned citizens of both states that it is opposed to any form of bandh or blockades in any form that may be called by any organizations or groups from both the states.
Maintaining that bandhs or blockades at this critical juncture are unwanted and unjustified, the Forum said these forms of protests will affect distribution of relief materials and cause unnecessary harassment to the innocent public.
KAPF also re-iterated that it is committed to work for permanent restoration of peace in the district of Karbi Anglong and in the region. It is in close touch with all organizations in Nagaland which includes Naha Hoho, NPMHR, NSF, Naga Mothers Association, etc. at all times.
In case of any need, the public or any concerned individual, group and organizations may contact Paisong Lekthe (91-98542-32583), Nathan Ronghang (91-96135-80203), Watson (91-90855-36911) and Lipson Rongpi (91-98594-38098).
RNSU looks forward to Karbi-Rengma Naga talks
THE Rengma Naga Students’ Union, Karbi Anglong, Assam has strongly condemned the massacre of nine persons and January 4 incident at Karagaon under Khatkhati police station, Karbi Anglong, Assam. It also condemned the brutal murder of the six innocent Rengmas on December 27 and 28 and burning of more than hundred Rengma houses and their properties which led to displacement of both the Rengmas and Karbis living in Nilip block under Bokajan sub-division. “We deeply feel the loss of innocent souls,” the union in a release issued by its president Phenpiga H Rengma and general secretary Thangshi J Rengma said today.
Stressing that further violence should be stopped with immediate effect, the RNSU has appealed to every individual and organisation to work for peace and tackle such anti-social activities unitedly. It also requested the authorities concerned for a high level enquiry and nab the culprits at all cost and punish them as per the law of the land. Also, stressing that there should not be any misunderstandings among the tribes, the union appreciated all the Karbi and Naga social organizations who are actively initiating steps for peace in this tense and turmoil situation.
Stating that it has always been wholeheartedly in support of peace and reconciliation meetings in Karbi Anglong, the union said it looks forward to Karbi-Rengma Naga talks which will bring an amicable solution at the earliest.
Naga Hoho appeals for relief materials
THE Naga Hoho today made an appeal to the tribal Hohos to continue contributing relief materials for the Rengma Nagas of Karbi Anglong district, who continue to live in relief camps in Assam and Nagaland. In its appeal, the Hoho has expressed solidarity with the displaced and distressed Naga brethren in Karbi Anglong district of Assam.
It has attributed the violence perpetrated on them to anti-social elements working to create division between the Naga and Karbi communities.
Those wishing make contributions may contact Naga Hoho general secretary Mutsikhoyo Yhobu and information & publicity secretary C. Daipao at #9436438045 and #9402830729.
