Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 29
The prevailing situation in Kiphire area has reportedly displaced around 1400 persons hailing from the Yimchunger community, however the state government is yet to announce any relief for the displaced.
Expressing bitterness over the negligence towards the displaced families by the state government, members of the Yimchungrü Tribal Council (YTC) has today reminded the latter that immediate rehabilitation is needed for the displaced people as well as admission opportunity for the displaced children so that they may continue their studies.
“I was born and raised in Kiphire town and have lived there till February 7… Now, my family is homeless,” says Yanshila, a mother of four and a teacher by profession, who fled to Kohima with her children after the mob violence in Kiphire. She narrated to reporters here on Monday that her family tried to take refuge from a neighbour’s house but the situation intensified and on February 7 evening they had to flee to Pungro on foot. “We have lost everything- our home, our belongings, cash and even our documents,” she said, mentioning that they came to know that their house along with livestock was destroyed by a mob on February 18 after which her family moved to Kohima to seek shelter from relatives.
“The government and the people must understand that we also want the culprits who killed the couple on February 6 caught and have them punished, no matter which tribe they belong to,” says David, one of the displaced who is also currently in Kohima. He said there has been news that the mob situation in Kiphire is still prevalent and he was informed that his house was burned down on February 27 evening at around 9.30 pm.
“Kiphire is an administrative headquarters but when the mob could not be controlled, we are left to wonder how effective the administration is,” says a Yimchungru tribal leader. He also questioned how effectively curfew is being implemented under 144 CrPC. He said the count of damaged/destroyed private houses belonging to Yimchungru people has gone up to 219, wherein, 9-10 are said to have been burnt down completely.
YTC members also lamented that despite repeated appeals, ultimatum, and charter of demands made to the state government, a single step is yet to be taken by the government and if it continues to ignore their demands, the community will have no option but to initiate their next phase of agitation. “We are also human beings and there is a limit to everything….From February 7 till today, we are looking at what the government will do for us but till now no efficient step has been taken for our people who are in distress,” one of the leaders stated.
