Dimapur, August 22 (EMN): The Naga Hoho has sought the intervention of the State Governor to the rescue of suffering Nagas living on the Eastern Naga – Myanmar border areas, who are reportedly undergoing famine like situation.
In a representation to the State Governor PB Acharya, Naga Hoho president Chuba Ozukum and the general secretary Mutsikhoyu Yhobu apprised on the plight of the people living on the eastern side of Naga area like Chuyo, Khammoi and Tamkhu under Lahe and Donhi Sub-Township, who are undergoing famine like situation which was informed to him earlier by the Council of Naga Affairs. It said these areas are inhabited by Konyak, Lainong and Tangshang tribes comprising over 92 villages.
The representation stated that the food crisis for the Eastern Nagas have worsened following arm conflict between Myanmar Army and KIA as the roads have been blocked by the government, subsequently affecting the Eastern Nagas who are caught between the conflict. “Currently, there is famine in both Nagaland and Arunachal Border (Stilwell Road) where Nagas are heavily populated on both sides.
Added to it, natural calamities like Mora cyclone in May this year followed by incessant rains till date have washed away all connecting roads on both sides,” the representation said.
It said the famine-ridden villagers were unable to avail basic commodities from Lahe and the only accessible location to fetch basic requirements and medicines is Mon town on Indian side under the present state of Nagaland. It, however, expressed anguish that the villagers on their way to Mon via Lungwa were stopped by Assam Rifles and asked to produce Aadhaar card thereby denying them to procure basic requirements.
Under the given circumstances, the Naga Hoho has termed it as ‘heartless and a breach to basic human rights’ on the part of the Assam Rifles. The Hoho further reported that the Assam Rifles had warned the taxi counter not to issue tickets to Myanmar Nagas.
In the light of the above stated circumstances, Naga Hoho requested the Governor to extend financial/ material support to the famine-ridden Naga villagers; Streamline military frisking in all border areas and allow the villagers to avail food stuffs and medicines without Aadhaar card.
