Chümoukedima district reviews law & order post-May 23 incident

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• 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.

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Additionally, the DC hoped that the meeting would yield positive outcomes through collaborative efforts between the security forces, police, and district administration.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.”
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• 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.
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• 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.