‘Eruption of public temper due to UGs’ ignoring pleas’
Dimapur, Feb 15 (MExN): Chakhesang Public Organization, while regretting the February 13 incident in Phek, reminded that the patience of the harried people of Phek was tested by underground factional leaders who ignored the pleas of the public calling for cessation of any factional conflict.
“The CPO had been personally appealing to the factional cadres to vacate public populated areas; The DC and SP had also, along with public leaders, repeatedly appealed to the factional cadres. Despite the appeals from all sections of the society, the factional leaders turned a deaf ear and ignored their pleas. With tension mounting and the normal life of public disturbed since January 3, the patience of the public reached a saturation point and erupted in violence on 13th January 2007” stated a release from the organization appended by its president Yesonu Veyie.
In absence of sufficient police personnel and inactivity of paramilitary forces stationed at Phek, the public resorted to ransacking and driving away all cadres irrespective of factions they belong to.
The Chakhesang Public Organization team along with frontal organizations went to Phek to take stock of the situation that led to the incident .The CPO convened a meeting with Chakhesang Youth Front, Chakhesang Students Union, Chakhesang Mothers Association, Chakhesang GBs’ Association, Phek Town Council, Phek Area Public Organization and other public leaders and heard from them on the matter. The situation at Phek tensed since January 3 with factional cadres resorting to occupying private residences in several colonies with the intention of fighting, CPO said.
“As the tension heightened, the public vacated their homes and abandoned their livestock (and) students appearing their exams were disturbed and the atmosphere became in-conducive for studies” CPO lamented. It however expressed regret that “excessive” personal insults were hurled at the DC and also that the DC’s and the SP’s offices were vandalized.
“...the community leaders acknowledged and appreciated the DC Mr. Sachopra Vero and SP Mr. Sandeep Singh for their efforts and services rendered for the safety of the public” it stated acknowledging their service.
The organization also took note that only 25 DEF personnel and 25 NAP personnel were available for service when the situation arose since most of the lot had been deputed for protection of students from the hill districts of Manipur, who are appearing their examinations in Nagaland under the NBSE. “While protecting others, the safety of our own people has been ignored and this has deeply hurt the sentiments of the public in general” the CPO stated and appealed to the government to immediately look into the grievances of the people. Sufficient security should also be provided to the people, it added even while noting that the 33rd Assam Rifles remained inactive when the situation arose.
