EMN
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 13
THE state home minister G Kaito Aye has reacted sharply to criticisms by the NPCC alleging that the conspicuous silence of the NPF led state government headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on the NSCN (IM) Mukalimi- Sumi issue in Zunheboto district on December 28, 2013 smacks of insensitivity.The NPCC had also said that the manner in which the government handled the fall out also proved that the government is out of touch with the sentiments of the public.
In a press release Kaito states ‘when there was process of finding solution between the representatives of the Sumi Hoho and other frontal organizations and the NSCN (IM) in the aftermath of what had happened in the Zunheboto-bound Tata Sumo near Zunheboto on December 21 last, it was only expected that the process should not be hindered. And there was nothing wrong in attempting to resolve the issue or such an attempt made by the Representatives of the Sumi frontal organizations and the outfit should not be misconstrued.’
He says assurances by the NSCN (IM)’s to hand over their errant cadres to the district administration, was viewed positively. But even the Opposition Congress along with everyone was taken aback when the outfit failed to keep their word.
Kaito says the unexpected development had propelled the highly charged atmosphere. The Sumis informed the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell that “as part of the non-cooperation to the outfit, the public resolved to flush out NSCN (IM) cadres” from Sumi inhabited area including the “Mukalimi designated camp.”
Kaito says contrary to allegations by the Congress the State Government when the errant NSC(IM) cadres were not handed over to the district administration it had stepped up its engagements to defuse the situation on one side, while making foolproof security for the lives and properties of the civilians on the other.
Kaito says he led a team of Sumi legislators and rushed to Zunheboto and to meet leaders of various Sumi frontal organizations to pacify the agitating publics. He also herded a second team of Sumi legislators and high ranking State officials to Ghathashi to meet leaders of Sumis. They were camped in tens of thousands ready to lay siege to the “Mukalimi NSCN-IM designated camp.”
Kaito stated that every moment was being observed and calculated keeping in mind the ongoing cease fire with the Government of India and also safety of the lives of the civilians to be protected under any circumstances. “Let the people judge”, says Kaito in his statement.
The Home Minister’s statement ends with a note of appreciation for the restrain shown by the central agencies as well as Para Military forces over and above State forces during the episode at Mukalimi area.
