EMN
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 19
The entourage of Parliamentary Secretary Paiwang Konyak who were held hostage by an Adivasi mob at Rangajan junction near Golaghat in Assam since August 15 reached Nagaland safely Tuesday morning. They were received by Nagaland Police and Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF) at Nagaland Gate Dimapur.
Though the modus operandi for rescue of the nine hostages – Paiwang’s personal secretary, two drivers and six bodyguards – could not be ascertained due to the prevailing sensitive situation along Assam-Nagaland border, they reached the State safely without any untoward incident on their way back home.
A chaotic situation ensued in Rangajan area after the news of release of the hostages spread. It was informed that an Adivasi person was killed when Assam police baton charged the protesters who tried to block vehicles coming to Nagaland at Rangajan.
Talking to Eastern Mirror, an Assam police official said though the situation continues to be tense in Golaghat, police are trying to control it.
Resolve border issue early: ENSF
The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has called upon the Central government to hammer out early solution to the long-standing border issue between Nagaland and Assam.
In a release today, ENSF president Shahsha L Menhahu and speaker NC Monko Chang said the border issue has created a sense of insecurity in the minds of the people living in the border areas affecting the cordial relationship between the two states. It also said the unresolved long-standing issue has also given undue political advantage to many individuals, groups and organizations to escalate the situation. The Federation felt that in order to maintain peace and harmony in the border areas, it is necessary for both the sides to sincerely maintain status quo and honour the spirit of the 1972 Agreement along the border until the matter is amicably solved.
Meanwhile, the Federation thanked every individual, groups, organizations, State government agencies and all the well wishers for the success of the rescue operation of the convoy of Paiwang.
Appealing for peace, the ENSF has called upon the people of Nagaland and Assam to treat the issue as essentially a human problem which needs be resolved in the spirit of mutual goodwill and understanding for the peace, security and development of the North East region.
ENPO, ENLU, ENSF grateful
Representatives of Eastern Naga People Organization (ENPO), Eastern Naga Legislators Union (ENLU) and Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF) today met Chief Minister TR Zeliang at his residential office in Kohima to convey their happiness for the safe release of the nine persons.
In a release ENLU general secretary R Tohanba stated that the release of the nine hostages was possible only through the keen and personal intervention of the CM who was in constant touch with his Assam counterpart, PMO and the Union Minister of State for Home.
Further, the three Eastern Nagaland organizations extended their appreciation for the initiative of Home Minister Y Patton, Chief Secretary Banuo Z Jamir, ACS & Commissioner Toshi Aier, Home Commissioner Temjen Toy in securing the release of the nine hostages. They also expressed sympathy to the nine who had undergone a harrowing experience for four days in the hands of the mob in Assam.
The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs, government of India and the Nagaland government led by Chief Minister TR Zeliang for their timely intervention in securing safe release of Parliamentary Secretary Paiwang Konyak’s entourage who were detained by an Adivasi mob in Golaghat in Assam since August 15. ENPO vice president Kekongchim and joint secretary Manlang Phom said the detained personnel were released on Tuesday through the intervention of MHA and Nagaland government.
Further, the ENPO hoped and is confident that the MHA and State government will continue to work for the congenial ending of the present unpleasant situations in the larger interest of all concerned.
