CHANDEL, June 7: A sit-in-protest against deadly attack of the Indian security forces that killed 18 soldiers and many other injured on June 4 near Paraolon village in Chandel district was held at the Chandel DC Lamkhai today.
Organised under the aegis of Chandel Civil Society, representatives of various frontal organisation women from different tribes, village chiefs and pastor took part in the protest.
A memorandum condemning the brutal attack which was addressed to the Union Minister of Home Affairs was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel Robert Khetrimayum Singh
The Challong village authority has also strongly condemned the ambush.
The village authority in press note jointly signed by village chief SK James and secretary LV Molarson saluted and extended heartfelt condolence and solidarity to the near and dear ones of the departed soldiers.
It said the service of the soldiers to the nation and the people of the area and the Challong village in particular will remain forever.
`We also like to share that we have a friendly relation with the regiment and will not let any other agency to derail those ties. We have been safe and were able to live peacefully under their protection. We are also ready to cooperate with their initiative to make the area peaceful`, the statement added.
Further stating that the people of Sulam area yearned for peace, the village authority appealed to the groups not to repeat such kind of act in the future.
The United Naga Council, Chandel Naga People`™s Organisation (CNPO), Naga Women Union, Tribe presidents in a joint meeting held today at CNPO`™s office also condemned the ambush.
Condemning the deadly attack in the strongest term the joint meeting said that any underground groups must not upset the people for creating war in the peaceful zone.
The meeting condoled and mourned the loss of 18 security forces and shared deepest sorrows to the bereaved families of the soldiers. It also prayed and wished speedy recovery of the injured.
The meeting also deliberated on the combing operation launch by the Indian forces during which it said that the operation has to be done according to the order of court and women police must be deployed in the operational areas.
The meeting further appealed for the safe return of 4 villagers of Tonsen Khullen who were reported missing from June 3 while going for hunting.