Rengma Hoho Dimapur (RHD) outrightly condemns the death of Kivika under the custody of KVYO leading to much anger amongst Naga family. It also condemns the subsequent riot in Dimapur between the two tribes, Sumi and Angami resulting in loss of life, injuries, vandalism and hate-targetting of properties. The rioting in Dimapur was tribalism at its hardcore best, plain and simple. It is ridiculous to even think otherwise as the ruling political party tried to convince us, much to the dismay of the concerned public. That, the two ‘advanced’ tribes could engage in raw, unbridled hatred by engaging in stone throwing, vehicle smashing and vandalism right in the middle of NH-29 does not bode well for our society. Such an incident should not have happened nor should even happen again in our society. RHD along with other tribal Hohos reiterate that “Kohima & Dimapur both belong to all Nagas” and no tribe should try claim monopoly over it. RHD also supports the Naga Council public resolution banning “lightning bandhs” in Dimapur without informing the district administration, Naga Council and DCCI.
That the father of late Kivika has forgiven KVYO is indeed magnanimous and we hang our heads in shame that the rest of the Naga brothers do not have the same forgiving spirit. Behind the façade of city bred, English education and civilized outlook backed by over 100 years of Christianity, we’re still at our basest- blood thirsty tribals out to teach each other a lesson. Is this what the ‘advanced tribes’ have to offer to the rest of Nagas? What aggravated the situation further is also best left unsaid but the truth is that over a period of years, certain communities have started harbouring sense of “relative deprivation” vis-à-vis others but the government is unable or unwilling to address this burning issue. Indeed, the demand for Frontier Nagaland is not hard to understand seen in this context. Whatever the issue, properties of individuals who’re in no way responsible, such as TK Angami, should not have been targeted simply because they happen to be Angamis. This has set a very bad precedent and Nagas will see its full fallout in years to come. If the integrity of Sodolhou citizens in protecting KL Chishi’s property had been replicated elsewhere, we’d have been saved much angst.
Forgiveness and accountability are two different matters. While appreciating the spirit of brotherhood reached at between the tribal hohos or communities leading to much needed peace in the land, it does not mean shoving the issue under the carpet. There is still the issue of governance and law. The government should ensure that individuals responsible for the death of Kivika, the rioters and their ringleaders are brought to book. This is accountability. And this is the job of any responsible government. Therefore, the one-man committee investigating 31st August Kohima incident and the three member Fact Finding Committee for Dimapur riot should be allowed to function without hindrance from any quarters and its report tabled before the government and action taken thereof without fear or favour on erring individuals and even civil servants/police officers. Only then will finger pointing stop and harmony prevail. The ball is now in the government’s court.
Sd/-
(K.Kath Rengma)
President
Rengma Hoho Dimapur
