John K Kaping/Newmai News Network
UKHRUL, December 30: The United Naga Council (UNC) and the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) have submitted a joint memorandum to Prime Minister of India over the killing of two Kongkan villagers by valley base underground UNLF on December 30 last. The joint memo was adopted after a huge public protest rally at TNL ground organized by various Tangkhul frontal organizations spearheaded by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) the umbrella civil body of the community, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, TKS (Tangkhul Students Union), Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long and TMNL (Tangkhul Youth Council) and was held today at 1:00 pm.
Various Naga social organizations including those of the All Naga Students Union Manipur (ANSUM), Naga Womens` Union Manipur (NWUM), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Naga Peoples Front (NPF) also took part in the massive rally and strongly condemned the Kongkhan incident.
During the public meeting at the TNL ground, Solomon Ningshen, president of TNL in his condolence message said that the cause of the Nagas should be fought in unity without fear amid the elements of disturbing factors.
According to one R Kapudang of the Kongkan village, four villagers including K. Kumar, 48, son of K. Ramyo and K Ramshang, 48, son of K Horhai who were killed had gone for New Year’s hunting expedition in the morning of the December 28 and at around 2:00 pm, the uniformed armed men killed the duo.
The Presidents of the Raizan Long and Sambu Long also said that valley based armed groups have been involved in killing and harassing the civilians of Kamjong border areas for the past many years as in 2005 incident at Molvailup where two civilians were killed.
Two non Manipuris were also killed in 2010 and in June 2012, village farmers were badly beaten. The leaders also reiterated strongly the absence of the Kamjong Magistrate and security when such incidents take place.
Various spokespersons also pledged to fight for the rights of Nagas in Manipur State where the right to life has been suppressed and subjugated by the major community for a long time.
Meanwhile a massive torch rally is also being organized in Ukhrul town this evening in protest against the brutal killings.
NNN adds: The official vehicle of the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul was burnt down by an angry mob this evening as people came into confrontation with government forces in the district headquarters of Ukhrul.
The Deputy Commissioner, R Sudhan was detained by the people at Tangkhul Naga Long ground in the heart of Ukhrul town for some time though this has not confirmed officially.
Reports further said that trouble broke out during the course of a public torch rally.
Tear gas shells were used by the security force personnel as the mob size increased at around 7:30 pm.
The Deputy Commissioner who came to the Tangkhul Naga Long ground to plead for the people to calm down was gheraoed by the mob and his vehicle, a Scorpio jeep was burnt down.
Re-enforcement of the security force was brought in but the crowd size was too big for the forces to control.
At around 8pm, things calmed down and the mob dispersed themselves.Later at around 8:30, leaders of the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (Tangkhul students body) and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL) leaders went back to the TNL ground for a meeting.
What has been conspired in the meeting was not known though agitators were not happy for the alleged apathy of the government towards the incident. They said when any killing happens in the valley districts, the government promptly addresses the matter by announcing some sort of assistance.
It may be mentioned that two hunters namely, K Kumar and K Ramshang were killed by the UNLF on December 28 afternoon in Ukhrul district.
Both hailed from Kongkan village. Meanwhile, earlier in the morning today, the two dead bodies were transported from Kamjong to Ukhrul headquarters, a distance of 85 kilometres by the Tangkhul frontal organisations.The two dead bodies were placed at TNL ground and the Naga civil society leaders attended the public meeting that was convened in this connection.
The United Naga Council, the Naga People`s Front (NPF), the Naga Women Union (NWU), ANSAM, NPMHR besides, the frontal bodies of Tangkhul community participated in the meeting.