Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 7
In the backdrop of the recent spate of abductions for ransom, and killings in Dimapur, thousands of people from the students’ and business community as well as citizens today converged at Deluxe Point, Dimapur and gave out a clear message to the Naga underground factions that the people of Dimapur do not want extortion, kidnapping and killing any more.
‘Stop killing, Stop kidnapping’, ‘give us a peace of mind’, ‘we want peace and harmony’ and ‘we condemn anti social activities’ were the words spread by the participants during the ‘protest rally against kidnapping & anti social activities in Dimapur’ which was convened under the Dimapur Naga Student’s Union (DNSU) today at 10 O’clock.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president, Imchatoba Imchen speaking at the protest, strongly condemned the extortions, killing and kidnapping which has ‘brought the town to a stalemate’. He said that there are anti-social elements in the Naga underground factions and that the crimes in Dimapur are being perpetrated by these anti-social elements in the name of Naga movement.
He declared that Nagas will not tolerate such elements. “To get peace we should not allow any room or space to any anti-social elements,” said Imchatoba. The NSF president strongly appealed to extend strong cooperation to the law enforcing agencies to bringing peace. He further declared the NSF is fully supporting the DNSU in the endeavor to secure a peaceful and just society.
Former DNSU and NSF president, Pushika Awomi, in a very powerful speech, scorned the law-enforcing agencies for security lapses in the city. “We want peace. A mental peace an economic peace,” said Awomi.
While strongly asserting that the extortions and kidnappings are carried out in the name the Naga movement, the former NSF chief appealed to the factions to understand if they are really for the people then extortion and kidnapping is not the desire of the people. Awomi also strongly condemned the district administration and the law enforcing agencies for their lack of action, in the same vein Awomi criticized the church for their ‘silence’ on the whole issue.
Prominent businessman in Dimapur, Basu Damini who is the interim secretary of the business community of Dimapur district, said that the city at present is more terrorized than during the days of 1997 when the Naga situation was at its worst. Damini also categorically criticized law-enforcing agencies. He said that even after more than fifty cases of reported kidnapping, the police have not solved even one case, and arrested one person. “This is not about politics…this is about life and death,” said Basu. He requested the students’ community to never leave the agitation but be the first to lend support to the business community in times of needs.
The Muslim Council of Dimapur president, Fukar appealed to the ‘kidnappers’ to release the abducted persons and at the same time appealed to the underground factions for peace. Others who spoke on the occasion include the ANCSU president, president of Dimapur Sadar GBs Union, the general secretary of Dimapur Naga Council and the president of the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur. They all condemned the recent spate of kidnapping and killing in the state and extended support to the DNSU in their effort.
The DNSU president, who was the chairperson at the meeting, towards the end of the rally, declared that random collections of money by students’ community is banned and at the same time requested the students not to bring a bad name to the students community through their behavior and their activities. The DNSU also submitted a memorandum to the state Governor through the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur after the protest rally.
DNSU extends appreciation
The Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) extended its appreciation to all who actively participated in the protest rally organized on February 7 to demonstrate the people’s anguish and condemnation over the spat of anti-social activities going on for the past months in and around Dimapur. The union expresses heartfelt gratitude to all the speakers from the non- governmental bodies and student bodies like Naga Council Dimapur, Naga Students Federation, Naga Women Hoho, All Nagaland College Students Union, Dimapur Sadar GB Union, Interim body BOAD, Muslim Council Dimapur, senior leaders of NSF and DNSU, businessmen, traders and every individual who has made their participation felt.
The union also wishes to thank each and every student, teacher and principal who participated physically, morally and intellectually. DNSU gives special appreciation to the local media who continue to strive in promoting social activism, catering to the needs of a modern day society. The union is also grateful to the administration and law enforcement agencies whose service and support to the citizens is a paramount subject of a modern society and calls upon everyone to stand and fight for injustice, crime, corruption and violence.
