RANPO flays harassment by Assam police

Ralan Aghunaqa Naga Public Organisation (RANPO) on Monday strongly condemned the “illegal barricade and checking” set up Assam Police at Naoghat, where it claimed the public were being continuously harassed.
RANPO vice president Renben Humtsoe and joint secretary Bovika Chishi described such “unlawful” actions created unnecessary fear and tension, causing severe inconvenience to the common people.
RANPO pointed out that as per the 1972 and 1979 Status Quo Agreements, only neutral forces were to be stationed in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB). It asserted that presence of Assam Police and the establishment of illegal barricades at Naoghat were “a clear violation of these agreements.”
Stating that the issue has persisted for a long time, RANPO said despite repeated complaints by various organizations, only temporary measures have been taken.
It stated that each time the illegal setup was removed briefly, only to be reinstated days later, reflecting the negligence of the concerned authorities. Therefore, RANPO has urged the government and all responsible authorities to treat the issue with utmost seriousness and ensure the permanent removal of the illegal barricades and checking by Assam Police at Naoghat.
RANPO further stated that since neutral forces were already stationed in the area, it was their responsibility to maintain law and order and not by Assam police.
The organisation cautioned that government’s failure to take decisive action may lead to untoward incidents, for which the government would be held fully responsible and accountable.