Flays silence of CFMG
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 28
The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) said that harassing the public in the name of the Naga national movement is unacceptable. The ASTD statement was backdropped by an outcry from civil society organisations censuring an alleged monetary demand placed on entrepreneur Aolemba Longkumer by members of the NSCN-K (Khango).
The demand was reportedly issued on December 16, when two individuals claiming to be from the NSCN-K (Khango) came to the house of Aolemba Longkumer at 7th Mile, Chümoukedima and demanded Rs 50 lakh. The identities of the two individuals remain unknown. An FIR was subsequently filed the next day.
“If you want independence (settlement), ask for it from the Centre (Government of India). Harassing the Naga public in the name of national movement is unacceptable. The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur will never tolerate it. And we will stand against it till the very end,” ASTD President Ningsangwaba Pongen told digital news outlet Global Window on December 28.
Pongen said that the ASTD executives met Longkumer at his residence on Saturday. According to him, Longkumer’s family was deeply disturbed by the alleged December 16 incident.
He urged the law enforcement agencies to arrest the persons involved without delay and justice delivered as per the law. He further accused the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) of remaining silent on the matter. “It is not the time for the CFMG to remain silent,” he said.
Contrary to the claims of working for the Naga national cause, he held that the splintering and breaking up of the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) has turned into a money-making endeavour, which has to be stopped by all the Nagas together.
At present there are two separate agreements with the GoI— one with the NSCN (IM) and one with the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups. However, he held that two separate agreements cannot be implemented for the same issue. According to him, there has to be only one, and for which, the Naga civil societies must come together, arrive at a consensus and see to it that the one which would be best suited be chosen.
ASTD executive member, S Mar Aier, demanded that the NSCN-K (Khango) must also identify and hand over the individuals responsible to the police at the earliest. In the event of something untoward happening to Aolemba or his family as a result of the issue, Aier said that the ASTD will not stand by.
Chumu Watsu Telen condemns
The Chümoukedima Watsu Telen issued a statement on December 28 condemning the December 16 incident. It termed the act not only a violation of Longkumer’s right, “But also a direct attack on the dignity and safety of the Naga public in general.” While asserting to stand firmly against the incident, it added that it will continue to work alongside the law enforcement agencies and other relevant organisations until justice is served.
