Dimapur, January 5: Considering the sequence of unbridled ugly events and mounting brutalities that have been taking place of late, “which threatens to destroy the age old social fabric and peaceful coexistence of the Rengma Nagas and Karbis in Karbi Anglong,” Lotha Hoho Dimapur has called for an immediate attention of the authorities at the helm of affairs. “No degree of blind enmity, mindless threats, killing and counter killings can solve the ongoing, murky imbroglio between the two ethnic entities,” stated a press release signed by Lotha Hoho Dimapur chairman, vice chairman and general secretary. “Under the circumstances, the volatile situation needs to be handled with utmost care and urgency and resolved at an appropriate platform without further waste of time,” it added.
Condemning in the strongest term the killing of 9 people, whose bodies were recovered at Pachaspura, Dimapur on January 3, Lotha Hoho Dimapur expressed anguish. It reiterated its commitment at the mass rally in Dimapur on December 30, 2013, to stand and assist through all possible and peaceful means to help usher in a peaceful atmosphere, conducive for secure and peaceful coexistence of the Rengma Nagas and Karbis in particular, and the denizens of Karbi Anglong, Assam in general. It appealed the authorities concerned and all communities to jointly work towards bringing about an early solution to the problems behind the outrage.
Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) has also expressed extreme shock over the recovery of nine dead bodies. DAYO deeply condemned the gruesome and brutal murder of innocent people, including a student leader, which it said is “beyond justifiable” in “our” society. A press release appended by DAYO president K Longri Imchen and general secretary Chitenlemba Imsong stated, “Such kind of incident shows the inability of the authorities to enforce rule of law and both the state governments have to accept and address with seriousness so as to maintain peaceful co-existence among different communities.” The youth organization appealed to both the High Power Enquiry Committee (HPEC) and Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter at the earliest so “the perpetrators of such heinous crimes are booked and punished as per penal laws.” DAYO further felicitated Lipokmar Tzudir on being appointed as Director of NEZCC, Government of India, while wishing him the best in his future endeavours.
Meanwhile, in light of the recovery of the nine bodies, Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) has appealed to all concerned to exercise utmost restraint and stop the vicious circle of crimes, “even as we are facing a fragile situation lately in the wake of the Karbi-Rengma Naga issue in the Rengma Hills of Assam.” TUD in a press statement through its general secretary Zhasa Vupru said it was alarmed by the “gruesome murder” of the nine people. “We are of the considered opinion that killing of innocent lives cannot be justified for any cause and such approach is never going to solve any issue,” it asserted. Hence, TUD vehemently condemned “all such heinous and reprehensible crimes, which, even otherwise, have no place in a civilized society.” It also urged upon the law enforcing agencies to act decisively, effectively and promptly in identifying and punishing the culprits involved in the said crime. The Union also prayed that the Almighty God grant solace to all the bereaved families at this hour of immense loss and grief.
The Naga Hoho has also vehemently condemned the brutal and barbaric killing of nine people, including a student leader of Karbi Students’ Association, Bokajan Branch. The Hoho has appealed to the state government to immediately apprehend the culprit. At the same time, the Naga Hoho appealed to all sections of the society to shun violence and maintain peaceful coexistence. This was stated in a release issued by Naga Hoho general secretary Mutsikhoyo Yhobu.
The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has also expressed anguish over the barbaric murder of nine persons. Strongly condemning the “ferocious and barbaric act,” it urged all right thinking citizens to condemn this kind of violence and killings in our society. It further offered condolences to the families and friends of the victims. Meanwhile, CYF assured protection and security to the Karbi people living in and around Phek district. “We also rest our confidence in the Government to use their political and moral authority so that justice is delivered at the earliest,” stated a press release issued by CYF president Zhopayi Nakhro and press secretary Chikhotso Neinu.
Condemning the murder, Rengma Hoho has also expressed pain at the loss of innocent lives and appealed to all sections of society to desist from targeting innocent public. A press statement issued by Rengma Hoho president read that “the suffering and pain of the Rengmas in Assam at the hands of Karbi extremists is real and apparent,” but no one should vitiate the already volatile atmosphere by targeting innocent civilians. “As if the burning of villages and killing of innocent Rengmas is not enough, such massacres bring unwanted spotlights and tarnish the image of the community, in this case the Rengmas,” it added. Therefore, the Rengma Hoho strongly reiterated its condemnation for “heinous crimes being perpetuated by unknown forces with a view to bring whole communities into conflict.” The Rengma Hoho appealed to the state government to arrest the perpetrators so unwanted suspicions and animosity are allayed.
