Tseminyu district demand: Rengma orgs. start indefinite bandh

Kohima Bureau
Kohima, Jan. 3 (EMN): The demand for upgradation of Tseminyu sub-division to a full-fledged district by Rengma tribe organisations intensified on Jan. 3 with two of the community’s youth bodies – Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) and Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) launching an indefinite bandh in the jurisdiction of the sub-division. The bandh was reported to have been carried out with no untoward situation.
During the day, a delegation of Rengma Hoho was said to have met the state government’s administrative headquarter upgradation committee which is headed by Temjen Toy as the convener, and also the minister for Home, Kuzholuzo Nienu separately. The Hoho president, Kenyuseng Tep, when contacted, said the delegation apprised the committee members and the Home minister on the demand of the Rengma people.
Although the government officials did not give any assurance, the organization chief stated that their concern for the ‘genuine demand’ of the Rengmas was taken on a positive note and the organisation was hopeful.
Although the situation was reported to have been peaceful throughout the sub-division, a senior journalist associated with Nagaland Page who was returning from neighbouring Zunheboto district (in transit through the jurisdiction of the bandh) after his mother’s burial, was said to have been harassed at Kandinu village point even after producing his ID card and mother’s funeral service programme. The agitating organisations had clearly publicised the exemption of press/media fraternity as well as funeral processions from the purview of the bandh.
When asked if he was aware of the incident, Rengma Hoho president Tep who is currently in Kohima, said it was not in his knowledge. He stated that he was saddened to hear of the incident and extended apology to the journalist and his family. “This is very unfortunate.
Our intention is not to hurt anyone’s sentiment,” Tep said.
In a late evening press release, the Rengma Selo Zi has apologized for the unfortunate incident where a senior journalist, H Chishi and his family were allegedly harassed by some of its volunteers during the bandh.