Kohima: The Karbi Anglong Peace Forum (KAPF) of Assam has said that a ‘third force’ is behind the Karbi Anglong violence of the Karbis and Rengma Nagas and that third must find out by both the Government of Nagaland and Assam to establish permanent peace between two brotherly communities.
Addressing a press conference at the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) office after meeting with the NSF and other organization last evening, Kathar said that a 12-member delegation of the Karbi Anglong Peace Forum (KAPF), led by its Adviser J. I. Kathar, a retired IAS officer, including Karbi Students Union also met Nagaland Home Commissioner, Deputy Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Leaders from Rengma community, Nagaland DGP, Deputy Commissioner Kohima and Superintendent of Police.
NGOs and some Karbi people of Kohima on Thursday and exchange their views on the situation of Karbi Anglong district of Assam and Dimapur of Nagaland.
He said that the Home Commissioner has given them the first hand knowledge about the steps taken by the Nagaland Government and assured them over the safety of the Karbi people living in Nagaland.
Kathar said that Karbis and Nagas are staying as brothers in both the state and disturbances have started in 2003, when the third forces motivating a section of people to brewing differences for their own vested interest.
He also blamed the Assam Government for the neglect of the situation since 2003, which resulted the killings of two brotherly tribes in Karbi Anglong and Dimapur.
He expressed his surprise as the Assam Government grant ex-gratia to the victims Nagaland killings, but he demanded that the Assam Government should immediately release compensation to all the Rengma and Karbi victims to rebuild their destroyed houses and properties and ex-gratia to the people became victim of the violence of both the tribes.
Recalling the incidents that took place since 2003, Khatar said the tribal clashes in 2003 between Kuki and Karbi, Dimisa and Karbis at one side against the Nagas in 2004 and 2005 clashes between Karbi and Dimasas and between Karbi and Khasis should all be inquired.
He expressed optimism that truth will come out and further conveyed the Karbi and Rengams to be cautious, not to fall into their trap of the ‘third forces’ and also requested the Rengmas in relief camp to return to their homes as both the community leaders are trying its best to let the displaced people reach their home safely.
On the NIA or CBI inquiry of the Nagaland killing of nine persons, Kathat said they were surprised with Assam Government demanding CBI inquiry on the December 27 incident where nine Karbi’s were killed at Dimapur stating if NIA or CBI inquiry is done, inquiry of not only to the killing of 9 or 10 persons in Nagaland, but should also inquire the killings of Rengmas in Karbi Anglong and all the tribal clashes that has taken place since 2003.
He said Rengma and Karbi were brothers since centuries and will remain the same and whoever will try to defy, “we will fight for it” Naga Hoho General Secretary, Mutsikhoyo Yhobu, who was also present in the press conference, expressed surprise over the ex-gratia to the Karbi people, but showing step motherly attitude to the victims of the Rengma Naga people living in Assam even after killing and burning down of their granaries and houses.
He also appealed the Assam Government and the Karbi brothers to bring back the refugee Rengma Nagas to their respective villages to live in a peaceful atmosphere.
He appealed to the KAPF to press Assam Government to give compensation for the Rengma Nagas rehabilitation and ex-gratia to the Rengma Naga victims of the violence.
Earlier, NSF President Tongpang Ozukum in his introductory speech said that all want peace and should live peaceful in their respective ancestral homes. All wanted only a peaceful coexistence without any disturbances. (UNI)