Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 31
The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) today expressed apprehension that of the Nagaland state government initiating a fair and impartial inquiry into the January 31 incidents of violence in Dimapur and Longleng, which resulted in 2 two deaths and several injured.
Addressing the media in Dimapur on March 31, the JCC questioned as to how the state government could arrive at conclusions in public while facts has not been ascertained yet. “When the (proposed) JIC is yet to be formed, the CM is giving the verdict,” said the JCC reacting to Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu’s reported comments on the January 31 incidents at a party meeting recently. The CM had reportedly stated that one of the bullets retrieved from one of the injured youth on the night January 31 was not from any of the weapons used by the security forces in the state.
Terming this statement as “unbecoming” of a responsible leader, the JCC said that the CM instead of trying to calm the situation has rather exhibited “arrogance and ignorance of the rule of law.”
On the JCC/NTAC demand for suspension of the former Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Longleng DC and police personnel involved, the JCC said that the ultimatum served to the government on March 8 demanding the same was based on a resolution adopted on March 3. The state government subsequently constituted a Cabinet Sub-committee, the latter convening a meeting with the JCC/NTAC at Kohima on March 11.
At the meeting, the JCC said that the Sub-committee asked for more time to implement the demands and “accordingly the deadline for meeting the March 8 ultimatum was extended, which expired on March 24.” With the JCC/NTAC receiving no intimation from the government even after March 24, a 3-day ultimatum was served on March 28, the JCC said. Meanwhile, the JCC said that the government instead of explaining the circumstances for the delay has chosen to draw conclusions.
JCC rejects govt response to March 8 ultimatum
It further informed that a letter regarding the March 8 ultimatum was received from the Home Commissioner on March 31. The 6-point letter (Full text on page-5) from the state government, containing the government’s response and steps to be taken, was rejected by the JCC. It stated that government’s purported attempt to meet the demands of the March 8 ultimatum is “contrary to established rules and procedure.”
The letter, while it complied with the demand for expansion of the proposed JIC into a 3-member commission and its scope of investigation, explained, “It is felt that suspension of the officials and the police personnel at this stage would neither be justifiable nor proper.” It added that it would be appropriate to wait for the report of the JIC to initiate any disciplinary proceedings against the erring officials.
The JCC, while citing Rule 10 of the Central Services (CCA) Rules, maintained it cannot be accepted. The JCC further informed that a meeting of the JCC/NTAC with apex tribe hohos is scheduled for April 5 at 12 noon at the Chakhesang Hoho building, Dimapur.
