Civilians of Ukhrul district, through the initiative of civil society organizations, held a peace rally from Khamasom to Sihai to show solidarity to the people of Sihai Khunao and neighbouring villages where the NSCN (IM) and Assam Rifles has had a standoff since April 26. The two sides have now agreed to withdraw as the civil society monitors the situation. (Photos Courtesy: Tennoson Pheiray)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 30
As nearly 3000 people, mostly women, walked along the steep hills of Sihai Khunou village from neighbouring Khamasom village in Ukhrul district (Manipur) on Tuesday to show solidarity to civilians and stand by the Indo-Naga peace process, the standoff between NSCN (IM) and the Assam Rifles (AR) seemed to diffuse as both sides were asked to withdraw by their “higher ups.”
“Both parties have been asked to withdraw at the same time,” informed Tuisem Kamkara, Vice President of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), who remained in Sihai Khunou for the night with a team of leaders to monitor the situation and to be with civilians in the village. “The NSCN cadres have to vacate the camp while the AR has to withdraw their troops too,” he said.
“At least that is the message we got from NSCN higher ups. The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the AR said he got the same message from his higher ups,” reported Veronica Zingkhai, President of the Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), who was part of a team that met the DIG and Commanding Officer after the conclusion of the peace rally.
Today’s rally saw 15 pastors take part in what became a prayer meet and solidarity message sharing as civilians of Sihai Khunou remained in fear of the “war-like” situation that had been created in their area since April 26 when Assam Rifles personnel surrounded an ‘undesignated camp’ of the NSCN (IM). The Indian military presence continued to rise over the past few days giving rise to “fear psychosis” among civilians.
“The rally was in support of the Indo-Naga peace talks and to honour the ceasefire in letter and spirit,” said Hashokmi Khongreiwo, General Secretary of the Tangkhul Katamnao Long. The approximately three-hour rally concluded with Sihai Khunou hosting the participants for a late lunch/early dinner.
“We committed today’s program in the hands of God, and we are glad our prayers were answered. It inspired the decision makers,” held the Vice President of the TNL, while stating that the AR personnel have withdrawn from the jungles but continue to camp in the village.
The rally today saw a large presence of the Manipur Police with the Ukhrul District Administration deputing a magistrate to the area. At night, at least one Sub Divisional Police Officer and few other police officers stayed back in the village. The civil society hoped that both parties would have withdrawn by Wednesday (May 1) morning.
However, witnesses reported 6-7 trucks of the Assam Rifles’ personnel moving towards Sihai Khunou in the evening even though the DIG had said they have been instructed to withdraw by higher ups. While this left civilians confused, the civil society leaders hoped their hopes will be carried through.
“We have clearly expressed our view today that we want peace, not war. The peace talks should be respected and we should be allowed to live in peace,” reiterated Zingkhai, President of the TSL.
