DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 6 (MExN): The NSCN (R) has called for the unharmed and unconditional release of two persons, identified as Katwang Wangham (Angh) and Gangtei Cangsa, who were kidnapped in Arunachal Pradesh.
A press release from Ato Kilonser of the NSCN (R), P Tikhak termed it disturbing to note the “sudden spike of extortion and kidnapping in the Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL) districts of Arunachal Pradesh.” People in the three districts have been suffering enormously for the past many-many years and we are not sure when will these harassments, intimidation, kidnapping and killing come to an end, he said.
“We began our noble journey with a banner of ‘Nagaland for Christ’ but today we are witnessing more of extortion and kidnapping and less of ‘Christ and His teachings.’ We talk of sovereignty and work for self-development and in the process we have divided ourselves so much so that; the issue of sovereignty has taken a back seat. For any meaningful solution, Naga people will have to come back to their senses and speak in unison. No solution big or small can be achieved in isolation,” the NSCN (R) Ato Kilonser stated.
He said that the continuous harassment meted to the Naga people in the three districts of Arunachal Pradesh from various Naga political groups over the past many years has been very painful and excruciating. “The people have experienced death and destruction, pain and agony, extortion, intimidation and killing in the name of Naga political movement In other words, for the three districts the word Naga is synonyms to pain, poverty and hardship,” he added.
He said that the kidnapping of the two individuals is “a crime against humanity and by engaging in this kind of act against your own people you are only defeating the purpose for which you think you are working for.” “The days of kidnapping and killing for ransom are over. We are very simple and humble people. The question of doing anything against any of the group or individual doesn't arise. By any chance, even if there was a mistake, there are plenty of ways to resolve through peaceful means and not necessarily involve in criminal activities,” the Ato Kilonser stated.
He urged those responsible to understand the trauma the families. “We know the difficulties of our Naga people in Myanmar but the situation in TCL is no different. What you have done is similar to engaging in a coal business by burning your own home. You are only causing harm to your own people and yourself,” he added. The Ato Kilonser prayed that the two persons be released unconditional and unharmed at the earliest
