Dimapur, Mar 1 (MExN): Nagaland Governor T Sankaranarayanan, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Home Minister Thenucho and DGP J Chankija condoles the tragic death of yet another four 9th IRB personnel in Chhattisgarh, in a landmine explosion today. Havildar B Limawati Walling, C/N T Nghio Lotha, C/N Chumukie Sangtam and C/N Mayangchiba Walling fell to a landmine in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district.
In a condolence message, Governor Sankaranarayanan while stating that the four fallen soldiers laid down their lives for peace and security of the country, also expressed sadness that this is another such casualty “second time within a month”. “The gallant jawans of the 9th IRB in Chhattisgarh are defending the citizens against the violent forces sticking to ideology which is inimical to the democratic ethos of our country” the Governor stated adding that violence will not lead to any solution. Conveying his deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the fallen jawans for the irreparable loss, the Governor assured that the sacrifices would ever be remembered. Sankaranarayanan also wished speedy recovery to C/N T Nokum Konyak and C/N Shilulemba Ao who suffered serious injuries.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his message expressed pain. “It pains me that 9th IRB has lost many precious lives…the supreme sacrifices made by our jawans while protecting the common man from anti-social and other unscrupulous elements will go in the annals of Nagaland police history and the country as martyrs” he stated.
Conveying his deepest condolences, Rio prayed for strength for the bereaved families to bear the loss. He also prayed for eternal rest for the fallen soldiers and speedy recovery for the injured.
Home Minister Thenucho in his condolence message, slammed the incident as yet another act of cowardice from the Naxals against the Naga IRB. But the jawans have sacrificed their lives to maintain law and order in society and in defending the innocent citizens of the nation which will be remembered forever, he stated. “I salute them for their gallant acts. The government of Nagaland stands committed to its policies in extending all possible help and assistance to the bereaved families in sharing their grief and loss” the Minster assured and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. He prayed that the Almighty give them strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The Police department also mourned their fallen comrades and assured that it would continue to stand behind “The Daring Ninth” and that their supreme sacrifice will never go in vain. “The officers and men of the Nagaland Police department join me in the sorrow and we are still shocked by the tragic incident and we convey our sincere condolences to the members of the bereaved families” stated a condolence message from Director General of Police J Changkija, IPS. While stating that human life is God-given and so is precious, the police also condemned the ‘dastardly act’ but assured that it will not discourage the force. The DGP also mentioned that the men who performed their duties at risk of their lives are ensured for an amount of Rs 10 lakhs, besides an ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakhs from the Government of Chhattisgarh and Rs 3 lakhs from the Government of Nagaland. Over and above all these benefits, the Nagaland Police department has the Nagaland Police Risk Insurance Scheme (NPRIS) and all other benefits that accrue to a government servant. Their spouses will also be paid salary equivalent to the last pay drawn by the deceased till the time the deceased would have retired from service. The next of kin have also been given suitable employment in the past and it will be the bounden duty of the police department and obligation to continue to do so, the DGP stated.
