Dimapur, January 29 (MExN): A 7 member delegation from Arunachal Pradesh representing the Arunachal Citizens Rights, NEFA Indigenous Human Rights Organisation, Global Human Rights Organisation and Women Power Connect, has reached out to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), appealing for intervention into the ongoing factional clashes between Naga political groups in the Arunachal districts of Tirap and Changlang. The delegates met FNR in Dimapur today, seeking immediate intervention to diffuse the tension which has been building up between the NSCN/GPRN and GPRN/NSCN since November 2010.
Addressing a press conference this afternoon, FNR Convener Dr. Wati Aier said in their meeting, the delegates lamented on the spiraling violence and the condition of the people in the two districts. The delegation particularly pointed out that while FNR is in the process of Naga Reconciliation, bringing top leaders to meet, Nagas must be vigilant about external and internal forces that are attempting to derail the hard earned reconciliation process. FNR further said the delegates met leaders of the NSCNs and apprised them of the gravity of the situation.
Appeal for intervention to diffuse NSCN factional clashes
The delegates appealed for immediate halt to any military confrontation. NSCN leaders at Khehoi and Hebron have both responded positively, the delegates told reporters. The delegates further encouraged the FNR to continue striving for reconciliation and peace. It further maintained that the achievement of the Naga reconciliation is having positive effect on the broader northeast region.
Earlier, in a letter addressed to the FNR, the delegates stated that the people are deeply shocked at the renewed armed clashed of high magnitude between cadres of NSCN/GPRN and GPRN/NSCN in the districts of Tirap and Changlang. It mentioned that armed cadres numbering hundreds are roaming the villages freely since November 2010; creating tension and fear psychosis among common people, especially the villagers.
They said the villagers could not celebrate Christmas and New Year properly as a result. It also stated that some villages are completely under the control of the faction; that villagers are not being allowed to move out of the village and their mobiles being seized. Further, due to the latest spurt the armed violence, villagers are unable to carry out jhum cultivation which is a matter of serious concern as agriculture if the only source of livelihood for villagers.
The letter stated that on January 13, 2011, GPRN/NSCN reportedly ambushed the other camp at Khonsa town, the district headquarters of Tirap district, killing one cadre on the spot. Thereafter, gun battles intensified on January 14, killing the only son of the chief of Ozakho village, Awang Wangsu. It added that many people of Arunachal have lost their lives in the last two decades of armed struggle between different factions of the NSCN. Many government officers have also been receiving threats and intimidation, directly or indirectly, hampering development in the districts, the letter mentioned.
The delegates said that with the intensity and magnitude of the latest turn of event, they fear the war of supremacy will become vigorous and damage prospects of finding an amicable solution to the Naga problem. They also raised apprehensions that the actual armed conflict is yet to begin and the latest incidents are mere outcome of a bigger preparation. They particularly lamented on the plight of women and children who are the ultimate victims of the conflict.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, Dr. Aier said the continuing sporadic clashes could, perhaps be due to managerial problems. He said in many conflict situations, lower rank cadres are not properly briefed; the same could be for the reconciliation process. However, he asserted that violence cannot be justified in any manner.
Addressing a press conference this afternoon, FNR Convener Dr. Wati Aier said in their meeting, the delegates lamented on the spiraling violence and the condition of the people in the two districts. The delegation particularly pointed out that while FNR is in the process of Naga Reconciliation, bringing top leaders to meet, Nagas must be vigilant about external and internal forces that are attempting to derail the hard earned reconciliation process. FNR further said the delegates met leaders of the NSCNs and apprised them of the gravity of the situation.
Appeal for intervention to diffuse NSCN factional clashes
The delegates appealed for immediate halt to any military confrontation. NSCN leaders at Khehoi and Hebron have both responded positively, the delegates told reporters. The delegates further encouraged the FNR to continue striving for reconciliation and peace. It further maintained that the achievement of the Naga reconciliation is having positive effect on the broader northeast region.
Earlier, in a letter addressed to the FNR, the delegates stated that the people are deeply shocked at the renewed armed clashed of high magnitude between cadres of NSCN/GPRN and GPRN/NSCN in the districts of Tirap and Changlang. It mentioned that armed cadres numbering hundreds are roaming the villages freely since November 2010; creating tension and fear psychosis among common people, especially the villagers.
They said the villagers could not celebrate Christmas and New Year properly as a result. It also stated that some villages are completely under the control of the faction; that villagers are not being allowed to move out of the village and their mobiles being seized. Further, due to the latest spurt the armed violence, villagers are unable to carry out jhum cultivation which is a matter of serious concern as agriculture if the only source of livelihood for villagers.
The letter stated that on January 13, 2011, GPRN/NSCN reportedly ambushed the other camp at Khonsa town, the district headquarters of Tirap district, killing one cadre on the spot. Thereafter, gun battles intensified on January 14, killing the only son of the chief of Ozakho village, Awang Wangsu. It added that many people of Arunachal have lost their lives in the last two decades of armed struggle between different factions of the NSCN. Many government officers have also been receiving threats and intimidation, directly or indirectly, hampering development in the districts, the letter mentioned.
The delegates said that with the intensity and magnitude of the latest turn of event, they fear the war of supremacy will become vigorous and damage prospects of finding an amicable solution to the Naga problem. They also raised apprehensions that the actual armed conflict is yet to begin and the latest incidents are mere outcome of a bigger preparation. They particularly lamented on the plight of women and children who are the ultimate victims of the conflict.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, Dr. Aier said the continuing sporadic clashes could, perhaps be due to managerial problems. He said in many conflict situations, lower rank cadres are not properly briefed; the same could be for the reconciliation process. However, he asserted that violence cannot be justified in any manner.
