DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 11 (MExN): A public resolution for peace and harmony in Dimapur has stated that the unfortunate incident of 31st August (at Kohima) and the lightning bandh on 1st September (in Dimapur) resulting in violence, arson, loss of life and properties “were a blot in the history of Naga people which saw the breakdown of law and sensibility leading to violent clashes between two leading Naga tribes”.
“All Naga people including Dimapurians regret that such a sad episode took place”, stated a press note after a public meeting of Dimapur citizens held on September 11 at Naga Council office. Thus, with a view to foster peace and communal harmony in the backdrop of these painful incidents, the public meeting deliberated on future course of action to prevent recurrence of such type of incidents and to frame civil mechanisms to sustain peace and communal harmony.
The meeting dwelled on two agenda, namely (a) banning of lightning bandhs (sudden illegal bandhs) & (b) evolving a civil mechanism to promote sustainable peace and communal harmony. After thorough discussion, the members representing a wide spectrum of civil and tribal society, vowed and resolved in one united voice to respect the following decisions and to fully abide by them in letter and spirit with immediate effect.
Firstly it was resolved that henceforth, in order to prevent recurrence of such lawlessness, no party or group, organization, hohos, union whatsoever shall arbitrarily impose lightning bandhs, any form of bandhs or lightning strikes in Dimapur leading to forceful closure of shops, business establishment, etc as such not only severely affect normal public life but also leads to violence, destruction of properties and loss of lives as witnessed on the 1st September.
The meeting strongly urged the Government/Administration to swiftly act in such an event and to intervene with iron hand on violators as per law without hesitation and without fear or favour but to enforce rule of law for safety, security and well-being of citizens. It was resolved that the public shall fully standby such strong legitimate action of the Administration/Police.
It also resolved that the civil society/hohos etc, of Dimapur shall not cooperate or render support nor involve in public welfare activities in any manner to such organizations guilty of breaking the law or violation of this public resolution.
Further any organization, union, hohos, etc seeking redressal of genuine grievances through peaceful democratic protests shall do so with due permission from Administration and inform apex social organizations such as Naga Council and Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) atleast 3 (three) days in advance.
In order to promote sustainable peace and communal harmony in Dimapur, the Meeting constituted a Core Committee for Peace & Communal Harmony comprising of Naga Council Executive, Presidents of DCCI, Tribal hohos, Women Hoho, DNSU, YAN, Pastors’ Fellowship, Peace Channel, Colony/Village Chairmen Forum, Dimapur GB Union.
It was decided that the Committee shall work out modalities to conduct seminars, workshops, etc, with a holistic design to reform, build and strengthen tribal fraternity and to inculcate a mindset among the youths to face or handle potential problems with a positive response. An appeal was also made to the Pastors to design special sermons in respective Churches towards this end.
The House reiterated its resolve to ban all social media networks promoting hate and slander campaign and urged the Government to act immediately. The Meeting also cautioned all citizens young or old to stop indulging in abuse of technology forthwith with provocative contents.
All members representing various civil society Organizations of Dimapur voted and approved the above resolutions unanimously and vowed to abide by them in letter and spirit. Some Members further opined Government may consider options to cancel one-man inquiry on Late Kivika murder case, based on forgiveness and compromise between family of Kivika and Kohima village.
The Meeting invocation was offered by Rev K. Chumben Kyong, Associate Pastor of Lotha Baptist Church. The meeting conveyed sympathy to all who have faced enormous loss of valuable properties at Niathu resort, TK Service, Dimapur diesels, Progressive Motors, Chumu market, etc and loss of life to families of Late Kivika, Late Kisheto and many injured such as Ms. Neitsolii, etc.
The meeting concluded with a strong appeal to all communities to approach difficult issues with Christian spirit as it is the only remedy to bring reconciliation and act as the binding force and urged all Nagas to uphold peace and brotherhood at all times.
The benediction was pronounced by Rev Dr. Lohe, President of Dimapur Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (DBPF). The resolution was signed by 93 leaders representing Naga Council Dimapur, DCCI (Chamber of Commerce), Women Hoho, All affiliated Tribal Hoho Presidents, DNSU, Dimapur Pastors’ Fellowship, Youth Assn of Nagaland, 67 Colonies Chairmen Forum, Dimapur GB Union, Peace Channel, Senior Citizens, Sumi Totimi hoho.
