United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Dimapur (ENPUD), and Dimapur Kohima Sangtam Students Union (DKSSU) have come out in condemnation of the alleged arson and assault of villagers at Sangtamtilla Village on December 10.
USLP: United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) has unequivocally condemned the alleged burning down of houses, damage of property and manhandling of innocent villagers by Hukato, kilonser GPRN/NSCN, when the Nagas are initiating Peace Talks and yearning for peace.
A press release from the USLP president termed the attack as an “act of cowardice”, and asked the government and law enforcing agencies to arrest the “thugs” involved immediately to stymie complete breakdown of law and order.
USLP also asked the GPRN/NSCN government to clarify its position, if Hukato was ordered by the GPRN/NSCN to carry out the attack upon innocent villagers in Sangtamtilla.
USLP cautioned the government that failure to arrest the culprits immediately will invite “strong wrath.” It also stated that USLP is closely monitoring the situation and will leave no stone unturned to see justice delivered.
ENPUD: The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Dimapur (ENPUD) has strongly condemned the incident pointing out that it happened on the same day when Nagas in Dimapur had called a bandh demanding the rights of the people of Dimapur.
ENPUD president, M.C Ongbou Chang and general secretary, M. Jeange Yanlem lamented that when the Nagas were yearning and striving for peace, such an action by a high ranking national worker was unexpected and uncalled for. The ENPUD stated that such an act should be condemned by all. “With Christmas so close and every family preparing homes it is so heartbreaking to see houses being burnt down” it further stated.
DKSSU: Dimapur Kohima Sangtam Students Union (DKSSU) comprising of six federating units namely Sangtam Students Union Dimapur (SSUD), Sangtam Students Union Chumukedima (SSUC), Tsithrongse Village Students Union (TVSU), Murise Yanglong Akhiru Amulong (MYAA), Santamtillla Village Students’ Union (SVSU) and Sangtam Students’ Union Kohima (SSUK), held an emergency meeting on December 11 and condemned the “satanic act” committed by GPRN/NSCN kilonser, Hokato, along with nine to ten of his cadres.
A press release DKSSU president Mongli and general secretary stated the assailant arrived at the village at 8 a.m. and started assaulting the villagers at gun point not sparing even the women and children. A total of 18 houses were burned down and the Christmas decorations were also burnt to ashes, it said. It added that the Sangtamtilla residents also wanted to retaliate by burning the four vehicles and with assault, but due to a request of the Sangtamtilla village council and als o to ensure that peace continue to prevail in society, no action was initiated by the public.
The student bodies questioned the concerned party of GPRN/ NSCN kilonser Hokato, whether he was fighting for the nation or was busy trying to grab land in Sangtamtilla for his self interest or for the interest of the concerned party.
DKSSU with its six federating unit requested the concerned party to take stern action against kilonser Hokato and his cadres who were involved in the incident. DKSSU also questioned the Public Action Committee (PAC) how movement of private vehicles with arms were possible when there was a total bandh on the day. DKSSU further requested the state government to provide relief to the homeless families and victims at the earliest as per the investigation which has already been done on the same day.