Polan John with police, security officers and others during
a review meeting of law and order situation at DPDB conference hall,
Chümoukedima, on May 26.
- DIMAPUR — Following the May 23 incident at
Unity village involving the Naga political groups, the Chümoukedima district
administration held a meeting with the village councils, GBs, police and
security agencies, to review the overall law and order situation in the
district.
- During the meeting held at the DPDB conference hall, Deputy
Commissioner of Chümoukedima, Polan John termed the incident as unfortunate and
said such incidents taking place in residential areas shows that the “factions”
have no regard for public safety and welfare, a DIPR report stated.
- The DC said the incident took place at a time when tribal
hohos and common citizens are yearning for peace, against the backdrop of the
advanced stage of peace talks with the GoI for solution to the Naga issue.
- John also said that such incidents are illegal and liable to
be punished, and as per the law, movement outside the designated camp with arms
is prohibited and violation of ceasefire ground rules.
- Despite public outcry, such incidents persist, giving
village authorities headaches as they are supposed to represent the people’s
voice against such acts. These serious offenses, if left unchecked will
undermine public trust and confidence in the factions, he said.
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- “As government functionaries, we will be compelled to take
up to cease fire monitoring group, if they keep violating the ceasefire rules
repeatedly,” he asserted.
- The DC also expressed gratitude to the village councils and
GBs for sharing their concerns and valuable suggestions and assured that a
detailed police report will be submitted to the higher authorities for serious
action.
- Emphasising on the need to strictly adhere to ceasefire
rules, John also stressed the need for clear guidelines. While government
machinery have their its own protocols and limitations, he assured
coordination, assistance, and guidance, and urged the councils to submit their
representations and concerns.
- Additionally, the DC hoped that the meeting would yield
positive outcomes through collaborative efforts between the security forces,
police, and district administration.
- He urged the village councils to maintain contact with the
administration, police, and security forces to ensure prompt action and avoid
communication gaps in case of future incidents.
- The security and police forces stated that while they
conducted operations after the incident, ceasefire ground rules restricted
their actions, prohibiting them from entering the ceasefire monitoring area.
- They also informed that the government is awaiting a detailed
report, and that they will wait for further directions from higher authorities.
“Crime is a crime,” they emphasised, “and as police, we're aware of it and will
take action accordingly.”
- Further, while pointing out that extortion is happening
everywhere, but no one is coming forward to complain, the police urged the
public leaders to support and cooperate in holding those responsible
accountable.
- Representatives from all the village councils expressed
grievances about the incident, citing concerns for citizen safety. They stated
that the councils would take stern action, including cancelling pattas,
non-cooperation, expulsion from the village, and not to have any designated
camps in villages.
