Zeliangrong organisations demand arrest of NSCN (IM) members within 96 hours

Dimapur, Aug. 17 (EMN): Civil organisations from the Zeliangrong community have served yet another ultimatum to the government of India as well as the state government of Manipur to arrest three members of the NSCN (IM).

According to a statement from the Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland), the organisations gave 96 more hours for the central and Manipur government to make the arrests. The ultimatum was submitted to the Union Home Minister and the chief minister of Manipur on August 17, it informed.

Earlier the organisations had served a 72-hour deadline demanding the arrest of Sangailung Pamei, CAO, Zeilad Region; Thailik @ Joel, deputy kilonser; and Khangdi, capt in the NSCN (IM) who were allegedly involved in the ‘abduction of youth and student leaders on August 4’ and also in the ‘obstruction and disruption’ to a students’ union election at Tamenglong district headquarters on August 3.

After the expiry of the 72-hour deadline, the organisations had imposed a 24-hour bandh, from August 15 to 16th, preventing movement of vehicles and construction activities of national projects in Zeliangrong areas.

According the statement, the government of India should now allow the NSCN (IM) – currently engaged in talks with New Delhi – “to commit such criminal activities upon the citizen taking advantage of the peace negotiation.”

It alleged that the central as well as the Manipur government was not ‘initiating any action against those functionaries even after 24 hours democratic agitation was launched’ which points to their ‘lack of seriousness and sincerity’ and care for the citizens.

“In the event of failure to book those functionaries of NSCN/GPRN (IM) within the 96 hours ultimatum (sic) shall compel the Zeliangrong civil organisations to launch different intense forms of democratic agitation particularly indefinite ban of national projects construction works in Zeliangrong areas for which the government of India and government of Manipur shall bear the entire responsibility,” the statement read.