Dear parents and fellow Nagas,

In the wake of the incidences that occurred in Pune last week, we have been working closely with the Police authority and the Muslim community leaders towards ensuring that the North East communities are protected. They have been very supportive, way beyond what we had expected. But the mass exodus from other cities has also affected the Pune city and the fear of people elevated.  In response to this, we the elders and student leaders of Northeast met up with the Commissioner of police and demanded that the Pune public and leaders should also speak out on this issue. Within 15 hours the commissioner of police called for a meeting of all the local MLAs and corporater, Muslim leaders from the different localities, local organization, students’ wings of different community and parties. They came together and strongly voiced out, ‘You northeasterners in Pune are all safe and we will protect you.’  Againin the evening few of us elders and student leaders along with the college principal met up with Maharashtra Home Minister at the Commissioners’ office. The Home Minister heard us out, our grievance and assured us immediate implementationof security and protection. He promised that all colleges, hostels and other areas where northeasterners resides will be provided security. I have also personally shared to the police commissioner and the Home minister about our Naga Engineering Students and others studying in the outskirts of Pune and other parts of Maharashtra. They have promise protection for our entire students studying in Maharashtra.
We request the parents and our fellow nagas not to panic and not to give in to the many rumors that are spreading. If in any case the situation goes out of control we will take every possible steps and measure for the safety of our people. I also wanted to tell our parents that our Nagaland Government is not silent in this issue. They are taking every possible step from their level. The NBCC, NMM, NSF, Naga Council and different organizations are in touch with us and supporting in all possible ways.
Finally we urge our people in Nagaland not to resort to any violence and maintain peace and harmony every day.  In case of any query, doubt, emergency or help, you can call me at +91 982 234 3747. To all the parents of students studying in and around Pune, if your children feels that they are not secure in their flat, PG or hostel, tell them to call me immediately.
Achu Chang - Pastor Naga Christian Fellowship