ENPO flags administrative lapses in Yimkhiung-Tikhir violence, demanding an EAC, police outpost at Kiusam and urgent relief for displaced families
DIMAPUR — The Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) has flagged alleged administrative and law-and-order lapses in the recent Yimkhiung–Tikhir violence, calling on the state government to post an extra assistant commissioner (EAC) at Kiusam and establish a police outpost there with adequate manpower.
In a press communiqué issued on Tuesday, the ENPO said its delegation, accompanied by tribal councils, visited the affected areas and held separate consultations with the Yimkhiung and Tikhir tribal councils at their respective headquarters on October 11 and 12.
“During its peace mission tour to the affected headquarters, the ENPO also observed serious lapses on the part of the administrative machinery in governance and in maintenance of law and order,” the organisation said, adding that the conflict could have been avoided.
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It also pointed to shortages of manpower and facilities in the administration and police establishment, and called for their immediate redress.
Kiusam is currently under the charge of the EAC at Pungro, the organisation highlighted, seeking an immediate posting at Kiusam and the establishment of a police outpost with sufficient personnel.
The ENPO also called for urgent relief and rehabilitation for families displaced by the violence in Kiusam and Pungro areas and Shamator town. It urged the state government to ensure that students from affected families did not suffer academic setbacks because of the conflict, and called for measures to ensure uninterrupted education and necessary support.
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During its consultations, the organisation appealed to both communities to exercise restraint and prevent further violence. It also urged the Yimkhiung Tribal Council and the Tikhir Tribal Council to heed appeals from other eastern Naga tribal councils for restoration of peace.
The ENPO appreciated the efforts of the two tribal councils, led by their respective presidents, to ease tensions. It also acknowledged the district administrations and police of Kiphire and Shamator, along with the commanding officer of the 30 Assam Rifles, for taking measures to contain the situation despite limited resources.
The organisation separately commended the United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji for accommodating displaced families from both communities in Kiphire town and helping maintain peace there.
The ENPO appealed to churches across Nagaland, particularly in eastern Nagaland, to pray for lasting peace and harmony.