Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA & Leader of NPF Legislature Party has expressed concern over several alarming events and incidents which have occurred in the past few months in Nagaland.
According to the MLA, these are matters of grave concern and a wake call to the government of the day, needing serious considerations as they may have far reaching consequences.
The MLA highlighted the impeachment and termination of several National political leaders.
“The impeachment of Kitovi Zhimomi as the Ato Kilonser of the GPRN/NSCN at an ‘extraordinary emergency National Assembly meeting of GPRN/NSCN at its designated camp in Khehoi area of Nagaland on 21st April, 2024 is a matter of deep concern,” viewed Nienu, noting that Kitovi was a top Naga leader associated with the ongoing peace talks with the Narendra Modi government. Zhimomi as the Convener of the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) played a key role in the signing of the ‘Agreed Position’ in November 2017.
The ’eclaration of Lieut. Gen. (Retd.) Hs. Ramsan, VC, Executive Member, Steering Committee and Lieut. Gen. Absalom Raman, MM, MC, Dy. Longvibu, Naga Army as Anti-Nationals and Termination from the Party and the Natio’al Service by the Yaruiwo of the GPRN, NSCN (I-M) vide an Order dated the 18th of July 2024 is also a matter of grave concern, stressed the MLA.
He also opined that the ceasefire agreements between the GoI and the various Naga Political Groups have resulted in mushrooming of factions and rise rampant extortion, multiple taxation, intimidation and summons of the business establishments by the groups and even anti social elements.
The MLA also drew attention to the assassination of Abdul Kayum Talukdar, Gaon Bura (GB) of New Market on the night of June 7; the abduction two employees of a company engaged in road work in Peren District on June 28 from their base camp at Tamphung village by six armed men reportedly belonging to the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF); and another shooting incident on July 18 at NST Colony, Dimapur in which an employee of Ankit Transport was shot at by armed miscreants.
“The government and law enforcing agencies have failed to rein in the menace of illegal taxation. On top of this, some associations were involved in collecting money from the business community on the pretext of running their offices. This has led to shut down of business establishments and markets on various occasions which have caused sufferings and great inconveniences to the general public,” expressed the MLA.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The NSCN (I-M) issuing warning to the Arambai Tengol, a Manipur based Meiti organization on 22nd July 2024 not to treat Christians “as if to get rid of the dirt”, maintaining that the violent extremism followed by the outfit was a threat to peace and tolerance, maintained Nienu. The powerful bomb explosion which occurred on July 24, near the Indo-Myanmar border at Pillar Nos. 8, 9 and 10 (New Border Pillar Nos. 89, 90 and 91) suspected to be planted by Kuki National Army (Burma) claimed the life of a senior NSCN (IM) functionary, Major Huseya Assumi of Toshezu village, Nagaland and injured two others. These two incidents, cautioned the MLA, are among the many stray incidents which may shape and determine future course of Naga relations with our neighbours, the Meitis and the Kukis.
“Such disturbing trends may have far reaching consequences even leading to total social unrest and uncertainty, posing as a challenge to the rule of law. Situations may worsen and only intensify if left unchecked. It is important that we pay attention to the signs that portent the rise of violence and take appropriate steps. In the face of uncertainty, it is crucial that we stay well informed, vigilant and be prepared for any eventuality or we will succumb to the disruptive forces that threaten to consume us,” stated Nienu.
As the State grapple with the uncertainties, the MLA urged the need to take proactive steps to mitigate the dangers and ensure collective resilience in the face of adversity.
