EMN
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 2
A high-level ministerial delegation of Nagaland government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at Circuit House, Jorhat on December 31 to apprise and express serious concerns about recent killings, burning of villages and granaries resulting in exodus of Rengma Nagas from Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council of Assam, an official release issued by Commissioner & Secretary to Chief Minister, L Kire, today said.The Nagaland delegation was briefed on the steps taken by Assam government to control the situation and bring about normalcy in order to instill confidence among the displaced to return home. Some of these steps included setting up of temporary police pickets in the violence hit areas with 10 companies of CRPF which had been deputed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, seven companies of Assam police.
Rio suggested that in view of the vast areas inhabited by the Rengma Nagas in Assam, Village Guards (VG) similar to the VGs in Nagaland to protect themselves may be explored since salaries and allowances are sanctioned and subsidized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Nagaland Assembly Deputy Speaker Er Levi Rengma suggested setting up of permanent police outposts in the Rengma Naga inhabited areas which was taken positive note of by the Assam CM for consideration.
Besides Rio and Er. Levi Rengma, the Nagaland delegation included Minister for Road & Bridges Kezhuluzo Nienuh, Minister for Health & family Welfare Imkong Imchen, Parliamentary Secretary for Power Kipili Sangtam, Parliamentary Secretary for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Yitachu, Parliamentary Secretary for CAWD Tohanba and Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation & Flood Control Vikheho Swu.
