Dimapur, June 5 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh drawing the latter’s attention to the continuing “organized violence” being perpetuated against indigenous Zeme Nagas of NC Hills in Assam by armed cadres of the DHD (J). Rio, in his letter pointed out that the violence has led to the exodus of hundreds of families to neighbouring Nagaland and Manipur. Rio has informed the PM that presently, the Government of Nagaland has been providing possible relief and rehabilitation to the families who are taking refuge inside Nagaland. Rio mentioned that already several innocent people have been killed and a humanitarian crisis was taking place due to the ethnic cleansing in NC Hills.
“The innocent people are being subjected to gross human rights abuses and the people have no option but to escape to the neighbouring states for their safety”, Rio stated while inforing the PM that the Naga civil society along with mass-based organizations and human rights groups have expressed their anger and outrage at the planned and systematic targeting of the Zeme Nagas.
Rio also informed the PM that he had already written two letters to the Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi expressing concern on the ongoing crisis in NC Hills. Both the letters were also enclosed for the PM’s reference. Rio stated that despite receiving assurances from the Assam Chief Minister, violence was continuing unabated and the Zeme Nagas were being subjected to grave violation of human rights. Rio also mentioned that the Assam Government was not doing enough and that people were still suffering due to the inadequate and poor security measures.
The Nagaland Chief Minister expressed regrets that instead of bringing the situation under control, his Assam counterpart had shifted the blame to the underground groups, pointing out that this has the potential to further worsen the situation. Rio also mentioned that as per the latest report, five more Nagas were killed and their houses destroyed on June 3. In this regard, newspaper clipping of Eastern Mirror and Morung Express dated June 4, 2009 were enclosed for the PM’s reference. Rio has requested the PM to personally intervene and to see that the process is brought to a halt and immediate steps taken to restore rule of law. Rio also asked for immediate relief and rehabilitation measures.
