Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, August 26 2009:
A number of Tangkhul civil society organisations have alleged that the Chief Minister is anti-tribal in his disposition as well as action and called for the resignation of O ibobi Singh.
organisations such as the Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (GBs association), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Shanao Long and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL/youth body) at a meeting held yesterday at the district headquarters deliberated on the continued imposition and impact of AFSPA 1948, in the state.
According to TMNL president Zanyo Varam, the participants accused O Ibobi Singh of being a willing sponsor of the repressive Act.
Besides, Zanyo conveying that the meeting unanimously resolved to demand the immediate scrapping of AFSPA.
The recent bloody incident at Shakok village also figured prominently at the meeting.
Demands were also raised that the Government extend adequate compensation to people of Shakok area, comprising of over five villages under Phungyar sub-division and to order a Judicial Inquiry into the killing of SS Sgt Salmon Hungyo and Phanitphang Changnu of the NSCN (IM).
these organisations alleged that troops of 23 Assam Rifles gunned down the NSCN duo during a fake encounter staged on August 12 close to Shakok village.
Moreover, they accused AR troops of subjecting villagers of Phalang, Goda, Laushing, Shinkap, Phungyar and neighbouring areas to physical and mental torture as a reprisal campaign of the August 12 shoot-out.
The TMNL functionaries claimed that these villagers are still barred from even venturing to their fields or to take out their cattle for grazing beyond the village area.
on the other hand, women folk of the district headquarters are keeping vigil round the clock around the town following reports of security force personnel randomly raiding houses and harassing residents under the pretext of security arrangement.
As pre-emptive steps, the women vigilante take turns in walking around the town, with torches after dusk, and raise alarm by ringing bells and clanging electric poles whenever there is any suspicious movement.
According to sources, AR men in civies and some masked informers randomly pick up suspects and subject them to torture before release.
The general feeling in Ukhrul district headquarters at present is marked with fear and apprehension as the locals shudder to move out from homes at dusk fearing excesses by security force personnel.