‘Is Govt. keeping forces as decorative items?’
Dimapur, Feb 13 (MExN): An unhappy Chakhesang Students Union today demanded that all underground groups vacate civilian-inhabited areas and cease factional clashes and warned that action will be initiated against any group(s) failing to honor the sentiments of the students’ community.
“In the interest of peace, tranquility and nation, the Chakhesang Students Union demands all the groups of Naga national workers be it FGN, NSCN (IM) or NSCN (K) to vacate civil inhabited areas and stop clashes forthwith to ensure peace and security to the students appearing the examinations” a press release from the CSU appended by its President Vevoyi D Vadeo and General Secretary Khrope Tsuhah made clear. “The Chakhesang Students Union shall no longer cooperate with any group(s) and will initiate whichever action against any group(s), who fails to honor the sentiment of the students’ community” it stated.
The CSU expressed concern at the clashes between the factions of NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K)-FGN combine on the other in the heart of Phek town especially when the students are appearing for their examinations. “When HSLC and HSSLC examinations are in full swing involving hundreds of our students at the moment. What the examinees require is congenial atmosphere for their preparation and sitting for the exams” the CSU stated lamenting “we can imagine how much the poorer parents suffer for nurturing their children in quest of education”.
“Whereas the so-called national workers of today do not have sense of concern for their own brethrens whose futures are promising only through academic education but prefer to build tension in the mind of the students out of sheer struggle for factional supremacy” the CSU stated expressing puzzlement whether the factions are for themselves at the cost of the young generation. The CSU also expressed amazement “how insensitive the Government is to the prevailing situation in Phek HQ, where the academic examination atmosphere is agitated because law is not sufficient and effective”. It questioned whether the Government has decided to keep its forces “as decorative items” and allow the factions to harass the general public and ruin the careers of the younger generation.
Failure to control the situation would mean whatever consequences that arise, the government would be solely held responsible.
Meanwjile, strongly terming the February 11 shootout between the underground factions in Phek as defiance of standing resolutions, the Chakhesang Public Organization has decided against fratricidal killings as well as cadres moving around in combat dress and arms, in civilian-populated areas.
“The Chakhesang Public Organization have passed a resolution to oppose fratricidal killings amongst factions and also not to allow cadres of various factions to camp or move around in combat uniform with arms in civilian-populated areas particularly in Phek district to avoid public panic” stated a note issued by the organization through its President Yesonu Veyie.
The CPO reminded that the organization’s leaders have been rendering every possible effort in implementing the decisions taken vis-à-vis factional fights, with underground leaders being approached. The CPO had approached the “national leaders” with their resolution and was encouraged by their assurance of cooperation in striving for peace.
However, the February 11 shootout “by FGN” at Phek town is an act of defiance to the CPO’s resolution, the organization lamented. “Though there has been no report of casualty, peace and tranquility of the public has been disturbed” the CPO lamented and asked all underground cadres to exercise restraint from creating havoc in civilian areas.
Also, with regard to the “arrest” of one ‘Sgt’ Aribo of the NSCN-IM by FGN cadres in Phek on January 29 (and not January 14 as reported), the CPO stated that it had promptly appealed to the FGN leaders not to harm the captured cadre. The matter was monitored by Shevotso, CPO Vice President, and Kupota, Chairman of Phek Town Council, till ‘Sgt’ Aribo was released unharmed on February 8 at Yorba village. He was handed over to his family and tribe leaders in the presence of CPO president, CYF president and CSU president. “We do appreciate the good gesture shown by the FGN authority and their cadres” the CPO stated.
