CM seeks PM’s intervention for release of Nagaland personnel

EMN Kohima, August 16 Chief Minister TR Zeliang has sought the urgent intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in securing the release of nine police security personnel who are being held hostage by a group of Adivasis in Golaghat district of Assam. The CM also sought intervention of central forces, if necessary, as the Assam police has not been able to secure their release. The vehicles attached to Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Information and Public Relations Paiwang Konyak along with his personal staff and security personnel were proceeding to Jorhat Airport yesterday in order to pick him up as he was scheduled to land there from Kolkata,” Zeliang said in a letter to the Prime Minister today.However, a huge mob of Adivasis stopped and surround the convoy, he said. The CM stated that the matter was immediately taken up with the government of Assam at the official level. Despite assurances, he said, there was no respite and the Nagaland party consisting of nine personnel were held hostage. Zeliang also said he had personally talked with his Assam counterpart Tarun Gogoi in the evening yesterday seeking his intervention and help. Gogoi had reportedly assured Zeliang that the matter would be tackled. However, the CM said the convoy is still being detained at the same location near Golaghat and added that the State government is extremely worried about the fate of the security personnel and the private secretary of the Parliamentary Secretary. Zeliang also said the incident happened following clashes between the Nagas and the Adivasis in the adjoining areas of Wokha district in Nagaland and Golaghat district of Assam during the past week, leading to loss of precious lives. “The government of Nagaland is taking all possible steps to ensure that the situation does not escalate,” Zeliang said adding that police have registered criminal cases, and already arrested eight persons in this connection. He also said the government has instituted an inquiry into the facts and circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident.