DIMAPUR, OCT 13 (NPN): Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has demanded immediate posting of an Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) at Kiusam and establishment of a police outpost with adequate manpower, citing administrative lapses, which it said contributed to the recent communal violence.
ENPO through its media cell said a delegation of the ENPO, accompanied by tribal councils, visited the affected areas on a peace mission and held separate consultative meetings with the Yimkhiung and Tikhir tribal councils at their respective headquarters on October 11 and 12.
During the consultations, ENPO said it appealed to both communities to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. It also urged the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) and Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) to heed appeals from various Eastern Naga tribal councils for restoration of peace.
ENPO appreciated the efforts of YTC, led by its president Throngso Yimkhiung, and TTC, led by its president Timong Tikhir, along with their respective teams, to defuse tensions and prevent further violence.
It also acknowledged the prompt response of the district administrations and police of Shamator and Kiphire districts, as well as the commanding officer of the 30 Assam Rifles, in containing the situation despite limited facilities and resources.
ENPO placed on record its appreciation for the United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji, led by its president Aliba Sangtam, for accommodating displaced families from both communities in Kiphire town and helping maintain peace and tranquillity there. However, ENPO said its visit to the affected areas revealed serious lapses in governance and the maintenance of law and order, adding that the conflict could have been avoided.
It called for immediate measures to address shortages of manpower and facilities in the administration and police establishment. ENPO placed a set of demands before the state government, including immediate posting of an EAC at Kiusam, which is currently under the charge of the EAC Pungro, and establishment of a police outpost at Kiusam with sufficient personnel.
It also sought urgent relief and rehabilitation for families displaced by the violence in Kiusam and Pungro areas and Shamator town.
ENPO further urged the state government to ensure that students from affected families did not suffer academic setbacks because of the conflict. It called upon the authorities to take immediate remedial measures to ensure uninterrupted education and provide necessary support to the students.
The organisation appealed to churches across Nagaland, particularly in Eastern Nagaland, to pray for lasting peace, harmony and tranquillity in the region.
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