Dimapur, June 3 (MExN): In the face of the increasing pressure of resurgent factional clashes in and around Zunheboto district, the Peace Monitoring Cell Zunheboto (PMCZ) has questioned the function and role of Lt General (Rtd) Kulkarni, Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Call/Supervisory Board for what the committee implied was his inability in taking any steps to address the matter.
“The Peace Monitoring Cell, Zunheboto in particular and the Nagas in general is pained to observe that Chairman CFMC/CFSB have not taken any positive steps as per the guidelines till date in spite of repeated reminders from different sections of Naga civil societies” a release from the Cell issued by the Convener, Co-Convener and Secretary, stated.
The PMCZ, a conglomerate of frontline Sumi organizations formed in the wake of factional killings in Zunheboto, in its statement implied the view that the Chairman should have initiated certain measures to rein in the factions or visited the areas now that a considerable period of time has lapsed since the killings began.
Taking a strong view to the implied inaction, the Cell, while reaffirming the public resolution dated May 27, asked Lt. General Kulkarni to immediately visit Zunheboto and take stock of the situation.
Meanwhile informing that as appealed by the NGOs and the public of the Sumi community, both factions of the NSCN responded positively and vacated the town since May 29, the Cell however, expressed discontentment that clashes are still occurring in the adjoining areas of the town. Aside from the loss of lives and injuries among the fighting cadres, fear-psychosis and tension in the minds of the people have been created, the Cell reminded the factions.
The Cell also reminded strongly that “it directly affected the students’ academic career as this unwanted development (clashes) had taken place when terminal examinations is going on, so also it affected the lives of the villagers in the area due to fear”.
Taking a serious view to this, the Cell strongly appealed to cadres from both the NSCN factions to desist from the undesirable dealings in the interest of all.
In regard to the June 2 factional clash near Zungti Village where one James Tangkhul of the NSCN (IM) was killed, the Cell stated that it was only through the bold initiative taken by the public led by the Cell that the mortal remains of the fighter could be retrieved in the midst of firing between the warring groups. The situation could also be brought under control after a strong appeal made to both the groups to disperse was made, it was added.
