IMPHAL, Dec 29: The Government of Nagaland is deeply concerned at the turn of events in Zunheboto District over the past few days which has resulted in the unfortunate loss of precious lives and injuries to members of the public, said a statement made available to the media by Temjen Toy, home commissioner, Nagaland.
The statement has said, “…the only option now is that the Designated Camp of the NSCN (IM) at Mukalimi be vacated and this is being taken up by the State Government with the appropriate authorities.”
The statement had said that the State government has endeavoured, with all possible means, to prevent any confrontation between the members of the public and the NSCN (IM) cadres stationed at Mukalimi but it has not been possible to prevent the thousands of members of the public from proceeding to Mukalimi Village and the NSCN (IM) camp. The use of force to prevent such a movement of the public would have led to large scale violence, bloodshed and loss of precious lives, it said.
“However, the confrontation has taken place with serious consequences and such a situation cannot be allowed to be continued as this is likely to lead to more violence and bloodshed. Therefore, in the interest of restoring peace and harmony in the State, the only option now is that the Designated Camp of the NSCN (IM) at Mukalimi be vacated and this is being taken up by the State Government with the appropriate authorities.”
The State Police has taken serious cognisance of the criminal incidents of the 21st December and the subsequent killings that have taken place and is pursuing it relentlessly to ensure that the guilty are booked and punished under the appropriate provisions of the law.
It is further appealed to all concerned to abjure violence and to resolve all problems confronting the State and the people of Nagaland through peaceful and legal means befitting a democratic people that believe in the rule of law.