Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 23
AS the rest of the world readies to commemorate the birth of Christ – the ‘Prince of Peace,’ Rengma Naga in Karbi Anglong, Assam, are reportedly living under constant fear following reign of terror unleashed by armed proscribed Karbi Peoples Liberation Tiger (KPLT) during the past fortnight. It was reported that KPLT along with the public of Lokhiram village (Upper Daigrom goan) had physically assaulted and rendered black and blue one Rengma pastor of Chogilashoo (Sathi) goan on December 19. Further on December 21, it was reported that KPLT cadres along with the public of Kasar village and Lokhiram village blocked the passage to Phentsero Rengma village besides resorting to blank firing which compelled the residents to run towards the hill areas.
The reported statement is contrary to the version of the goodwill mission team of the Karbi social organizations on December 20 which had implicated involvement of Assam government’s agencies for the present turmoil between the two communities. The team had called for calm from the Nagaland counterpart in order to avoid misunderstanding and fueling communal disharmony.
In a text message, Commander of Northern Command of Council of Naga Rengma Hills (CNRH) and Rengma Naga Hills Protection Force (RNHPF), Tarikheng Rengma, alleged that on December 14 evening two persons suspected to be activists of Karbi Peoples Liberation Tiger (KPLT) entered into the Rengma village called Lolashonyu (Sarihuti) and shouted at the villagers with a warning that Karbis are ready for war with the Rengmas. The two persons had also asked the villagers on their preparedness for such eventuality. He added that CNRH/ NRHPF patrolling group, who were nearby by the village on hearing the suspected persons shouting, chased them. They are said to have fled into the Karbi village called Teron Goan for shelter.
Considering seriousness of the situation among the local public, he said some of his boys went to Teron goan that night and had a free discussion with the GBs and elders of the village. On their return the boys heard several rounds of gun shots.They also shot some blank fire in retaliation.
He added that on December 15 evening, some six to seven members of Karbi youth entered the Rengma village in which his cadres caught two of them for some question. He said the two identified themselves as John Rongphar and Deven Tuso.
During interrogation, the two confessed of their involvement in the kidnap and murder of late Nzankhen Rengma, son of late Rabong Rengma of Güzenlanyu goan. Late Nzankhen was kidnapped on October 21. He said the two persons did not remember the time and date of murder but mentioned the place where Nzankhen Rengma was murdered. He said Nzankhen Rengma was murdered at “Punjan” of Chowkihola of Nilip Block by the KPLT with some of their civil workers. The two admitted that detail of the kidnap and murder was with one Rajen Ingti of Lokhiram goan in upper Daigrom village.
Astonishingly, the two also revealed that Karbis are preparing for civil war with the Rengma Nagas shortly. He said two persons were released the same night to their respective GBs.
In the light of the above stated circumstances, the Commander has questioned the intention of the Karbis in their attempt to wage civil war against the Rengma Nagas. He has also questioned the State police about the FIR in the case relating to kidnap and murder of late Nzankhen Rengma.
Meanwhile, CNRH/ NRHPF has appealed the concerned authorities to hand over the dead body of late Nzankeng Rengma to his relative before December 31 with a caution that failing to comply would compel the organization to take its own course of action.
Further, the organization also felt that the resolution adopted on December 17 at Sarihuti ME School between the KSA, RNSU and the village authority be withdrawn if such threat and disturbance continues. It added that blame should not be put on CNRH/ NRHPF in the event of any confrontation in near future.
