Minphong Konyak
Mon | June 4
Since the last week of April, Mon has not had the taste of beef. Factional clashes between the two NSCNs have affected normalcy of life at Mon for several years in many aspects, but this time around, a most awkward and irrational suffering is going on. Meat consuming is a traditional part and parcel of the Nagas’ daily diet. But Mon is suffering from unavailability of beef due to factional enmity.
The NSCN (IM) allegedly controlling Tizit and Namsa areas demanded tax from the Butchers’ union, Mon during the last week of April through a letter which was confisticated by the NSCN (K) while it was on its way to Mon. It was reported that the NSCN (K) warned the union not to concede to their demand failing which the union was warned it would have to pay heavy consequences. While on the other hand, the NSCN (IM) cadres are also persistently demanding that the union pay immediately, with the warning that their business route from Mon to Sonari which goes through their domain will be cordoned off. Faced with this dilemma, the members of the union have been compelled to close down their business for over a month, which has ultimately affected the public severely. The question the butchers ask is, “Whom shall we listen or pay?”
Observing the present situation, Mon is in a pitiable state. A citizen sadly expressed that his teeth was itching for a bite of beef and so on goes the effect while the union whose only means of livelihood has been cut off for no fault of theirs. In utter desperation, the union has tried its best to solve the problem. It has approached the Konyak union for help but was refuted on the ground that business matters are of the Town Council and when Town Council was asked for help it could not help since the problem involved two parties. It only urged the union to start the business and that if any misunderstanding arises then they will intervene.
The union asserted that as per the encouragement of the general public it will start the business and went to Sonari from June 3. The consequences from both parties against them are to be heard soon. But the union ventured out this morning not without a conviction of help from all sections of society. Some of them strongly said that they were only serving the needs of the public and earning their livelihood through this business and that such punishment should not be given to the butchers for no fault of theirs. They also declared that the delay in solving the matter might cause a price rise. They regretted that they are in the middle of the devil and the deep blue sea and urged the public to come to their aid and solve this matter once and for all in a friendly and befitting manner with both parties. And if nothing comes to understanding then they will altogether give up their business. They hoped and prayed that public involvement and support would surely bring this matter to a happy ending for all concerned.
Morung Express News
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