EMN
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 14
The Longsa Village Council under Mokokchung district on Monday refuted reports carried in “some news dallies” that the villagers as “local informers” had relayed the presence of NSCN (K) cadres to the Assam Rifles that led to a shootout between the two parties on August 13 last at “Tamatai terrace fields”, located some 8 km away from the village.
In a press release, the LVC stated that the Longsa people had no prior knowledge about the movement of cadres, or about the incident till the information was relayed by the police. “Therefore, there is no reason to imply that Longsa villagers were the ‘local informers’ (as reported in some news dailies) who allegedly informed the security forces. And, there is also no reason or evidence to taint the name of Longsa Village in any manner whatsoever.”
It maintained that the incident had tarnished the village’s name and created a fear psychosis among the peace-loving citizens. “On August 13th, 2015, at around 5 am, the Longsa Village Council was informed by the personnel of Police Outpost (Longsa Camp) that there was heavy firing between the NSCN (K) cadres and the Assam Rifles at the Tamatai terrace fields, which is about 8 Kilometers away from Longsa village (Mokokchung).“On hearing the news, the Longsa Village Council, in true Naga spirit decided to rush to the spot to provide humanitarian aid, in case if there was any injured or wounded in the encounter. However, the Longsa Village Council and party were intercepted by troops from the 31 AR just about two kilometers from the spot of the incident.
“The 31 AR informed that two NSCN (K) cadres were killed in the firing incident; but they resolutely disallowed the villagers to go near the spot. So, the Longsa villagers could not take care of the slain cadres as per the Naga customs and traditions, and for which we express our deepest regret. The Longsa Village Council expresses our deepest sorrow at the loss of precious lives of the two national workers,” it informed of the incident.
The LVC also reaffirmed its “standing order prohibiting any individual or group to make camps under, or movement of people without the knowledge of the council, or gives a bad name to Longsa village area.” Those who blatantly break the orders of the village will be appropriately and stringently punished by the village authority, it stated.
