Dimapur, Nov 4 (MExN): The FGN, apprising of the ‘Operation Freedom’ being carried out by a combined force of the ‘Eastern command’ and ‘Southern command’, stated that its mission is to “liberate our people from the clutches of terrorists and restore the democratic life of our people”.
An FGN release issued through Col Sishu Theba stated that with this mission in mind, the NSCN-IM camp at Phek was raided by the combined forces from September 5 and overran on September 8 “after inflicting severe destruction and casualties on them”. The FGN stated that this was followed by an attack on the NSCN-IM camp at Iphonumi in Zunheboto on September 25 where materials were seized from them while a third encounter took place at Cesezu village on October 3 in which one Sgt. Hangtai Khiamnuingan was killed.
From October 25 to the 27th, the FGN forces assisted the NSCN-K at Zunheboto which, the release stated, is in consistency with the declared understanding of carrying out joint defense by the FGN and the NSCN-K. In an encounter with the NSCN-IM at Sukhai village on October 30 one Lieut. Vepora Chakhesang and L/Corporal Pongom Khiamnuingan of the combined force were killed while another suffered minor injuries. “In all these missions, we factually release our reports which are in tradition of our people. The dead are not hidden but sent to the native homes to be laid in eternal rest which is the tradition of our people even from the times of head-hunting days” the release stated all the while expressing stupefaction that the NSCN-IM takes “extra and special measures to hide the facts”.
The FGN stated that on enquiry, it was reported that parents are told that ‘missing sons and daughters’ are sent on Alee Command (“foreign mission”). The release stated that even a private Tangkhul soldier “enjoys much more privileges than other Nagas” and that temporary tombs are found at sites of clashes where skeletal remains, with bones “intentionally broken,” are found.
“This exposes the method by which their dead comrades are hastily packed in gunny bags and buried temporarily to avoid publicity and factual exposure” the release stated adding that this is not a Naga tradition but an alien “culture” which the NSCN-IM has introduced.
