DIMAPUR, APRIL 30 (MExN): The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) today stated that if the Central Security Forces under MHA continue with their “biased conduct against the Tangkhul Nagas, we will be compelled to take up democratic means of protest.”
It condemned the “bomb attack” at New Heaven and the concurrent firing at civilian vehicles since 3:00 am this morning at TM Kasom, and the incessant attacks at Sinakeithei since late February.
A press release from the working committee of the TNL accused the Indian security forces of “biased and indifferent treatment.” It claimed that on April 24, a single individual, Vice President, KSO Ukhrul, was escorted by Mahar Regiment/BSF into Mullam, while numerous demands by Sinakeithei to provide more security forces at Sinakeithei have fallen on deaf ears.
It said that an alleged combing operation at Lungter was carried out by the Kangpokpi Police along with the security forces on April 28. “On that very evening, Sinakeithei came under attack. How can we, then, trust the Central Security Forces that their intentions are to bring order?” it questioned.
“On too many occasions, the Central Security Forces have wielded their power to harass women and mothers protecting their land and destroying civilian defense shelters instead of using their powers to deal with the true aggressors,” the TNL stated.
It said that numerous incidents that have transpired in the last two months in Ukhrul
have all but proven one thing – that the Central Security forces have betrayed the trust of the Naga civilians.” “As such, multiple demands have been made for the Central Security Forces to be replaced by the State Forces. These demands and grievances have not been heeded nor acknowledged, clearly hinting the dishonesty of the Central government and the MHA in handling the burning issue,” the TNL stated.
The TNL informed that on April 29, an order for joint area domination/combing operation was issued by the SP, Ukhrul wherein 4TH Mahar Rgt., BSF and Litan Police were tasked for the same.
“However, the operation is being carried out without the presence of Police forces while the Assam Rifles, who were not tasked with the operation, leads the same today at Shongphel, Mullam and Ringui. With such illegal operation that goes beyond the issued order, the trust deficit of the Naga civilians against the Central Security Forces is further aggravated,” it stated.
