DIMAPUR, AUGUST 22 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today submitted a representation to the Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya apprising him of the suffering of people in the easter Naga-Myanmar border areas.
The Naga Hoho, in its representation, said that there is a famine in the eastern side of Naga areas like Chuyo, Khammoi and Tamkhu under Lahe and Donhi Sub-Township. This was warlier informed to the Governor by the Council of Naga Affairs with the endorsement of a copy to Naga Hoho. These areas are occupied by Konyak, Lainong and Tangshang tribes and over 92 villages inhabit the border area belt.
The food crisis for the Eastern Nagas has worsened following armed conflict between Myanmar Army and KIA as the roads have been blocked by GoM, subsequently affecting the Eastern Nagas who are caught in between the conflict.
Currently, the Naga Hoho said there is famine in both Nagaland and Arunachal Border (Stilwell Road) where Nagas are heavily populated on both sides. Adding to the suffering, natural calamities like the Mora cyclone in May this year followed by incessant rains till date have washed away all connecting roads on both sides.
The Naga Hoho informed that at present, the famine-ridden villagers are unable to avail basic commodities from Lahe and the only accessible location to fetch basic requirements and medicines is Mon Town on Indian side under the present state of Nagaland. It further stated that villagers on their way to Mon via Lungwa were stopped by Assam Rifles and were asked to produce Aadhaar card. “Under the given circumstances, it is very heartless and a breach to basic human rights on the part of the Assam Rifles. Further, it has also come to our notice that the Assam Rifles warned the Taxi counter not to issue tickets to Myanmar Nagas,” the Naga Hoho said.
Under these circumstances, the Naga Hoho asked the Nagaland Governor to extend financial/ material support to the famine-ridden Naga villagers; streamline military frisking in all border areas and to allow the villagers to avail food stuffs and medicines without Aadhaar card.
Apart from their discussion with the Governor, the Naga Hoho delegation also met Sanjay Gupta, IG Assam Rifles on the same issue and he assured the delegation to extend fullest possible help. It informed that the IGAR has spoken to AR Commander posted under Lungwa areas to cooperate with the famine-ridden villagers in the midst of their interaction.
