This was among the four-point-demands submitted to the Adhoc Commandant, Shastra Seema Bal (SSB) Camp, Ronsuyan village, by the RALH during a public rally organised by the latter at Old Ralan. The RALH also demanded the authorities to stop forceful resettlement of Adivasis (tenants) in the area. Other points included the demand for immediate flushing out of Maoists, operating or taking shelter under the shadow/banner of All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA), from Ralan area. Further, the RALH demanded immediate deployment of SSB/IRB at the displaced Lotha Naga villages like Wochan, Tchujanphen, S. Wochan and Yanlum.
Hundreds of people from Ralan area attended the rally holding placards, some of which read, among others, ‘We don’t want our land to be Maoist bastion/hq,’ ‘Remove Assam Armed Police from our Naga territory,’ ‘No resettlement for erring Adivasi tenants, they are Maoists,’ ‘Ralan area be brought under Union territory,’ ‘No relief, no compensation, Government of Nagaland, are you alive?’
Speaking at the rally, Central Nagaland Tribal Council chairman, Hokiye Yepthomi, extending support to the people of Ralan area, said, “You are not alone, we as a family will stick together no matter whatever circumstances arise at a later stage.” He maintained that the problem was not created by the Ahoms but outsiders.
Nagaland Tribes Council general secretary, Nribemo Ngullie, clarified that the issue in Ralan area was not a border problem but between landowners and tenants. RALH chairman, Hayithung Kikon, also highlighted how the issue in Ralan area started between Adivasi tenants and Lotha landowners. Kyong Students’ Union President, Amos Odyuo, urged the Government of Nagaland to intervene and reopen the educational institutions in Ralan area which have remained closed since the problem began.
United Naga Tribes Association of Border Areas chairman, Hukavi T Yepthomi, said that problems such as in Ralan area were not caused by “original inhabitants” of the land, but by people of “questionable origin.” He said the Government of Assam and neutral forces “should not give protection or facilitate such questionable people in any manner.”
Hukavi also pointed out that the Government of Nagaland had approved recruitment of 1115 Village Guards on August 20, 2012 but it has not been implemented. In this connection, he urged the Lotha community, especially people residing in the border areas, to pressurize the authorities to implement what has been approved by the cabinet and avail the facilities.
Representatives from NSF, Lotha Hoho Dimapur, Kohima Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Ekhung Dimapur and others spoke at the rally expressing solidarity with the people of Ralan area.
Meanwhile, RALH alleged that the Assam Police confronted and harassed women at New Chandalashung under Ralan area, today. The incident reportedly occurred around 3:00 pm after the rally.
According to the allegation, a convoy of Assam Police vehicles carrying displaced adivasis was crossing the village when it was stopped by womenfolk. The AP personnel used force to make way while critically injuring one of the women in the process, it was alleged. The RALH identified the injured woman as one Benrilo. It further alleged that the AP convoy led by an officer in the rank of IGP “forcefully” held a meeting with village council members and GBs of affected villages at Ronsuyan after the scuffle at New Chandalashung.
The RALH questioned the role of Nagaland Police personnel stationed at New Chandalashung, stating that the personnel did nothing when the scuffle occurred.
Source: Morung Express
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