The Morung Express correspondent made an appointment with the office bearers of Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS) the highest tribal body of Chang to ask some questions regarding the Tobu Issue.
Here are some of the excerpts from the interview.
Morung Express: Good morning to all of you. First of all I thank you all for giving me your valuable time. Today I am here to ask some questions regarding the Tobu issue.
President (CKS): Ok, you are welcome but before going further I want to make a point very clear that from our part we don’t want to make any press release regarding the Tobu Issue as we respect the resolution made by the TMPO (Tuensang Mon Public Organization) on 26th July 2005.
MEx: We have heard that the State Government has set up a three man high-powered committee relating to the Tobu Issue. What do you think about that?
(CKS): Committee after committee with out any action from the government will not help. The Government notification of 5th May 1986 should be fully implemented as it shows the exact position of the issue. If the State Government cannot implement the Government notification of 5th May 1986 fully, it will be wastage of time for the committee.
MEx: So you don’t agree with the setting up of the three man high-powered committee which was set up by the state Government recently?
(CKS): The JAKHALU Commission after a thorough study of the Tobu Yanchang issue made its recommendation and basing on that the State Government issued the notification of 5th May 1986. Tobu issue could have been solved earlier if the State Government could have fully implemented the Government notification. Even if the Government sets up another committee it will be fruitless until and unless the said Notification of 5th May 1986 is fully implemented.
MEx: What is the main reason behind the Tobu issue?
(CKS): It is our land, the Tobu Yanchang land belongs to Changs’. “Tobu” what you call today is actually known as “Tobu Yanchang” as it is our fore fathers who founded the Tobu Yanchang village and not by any other people. Actually we don’t have any enmity with our Konyak brothers. It is the people living in Tobu Yanchang who are creating the problem, calling themselves as Tobu Chang and Tobu Konyak according to their selfish interest. You will find the same person changing his identity every now and then like the change of season. The traitors who are responsible for creating rift between the Changs and Konyak brothers will be seriously dealt with. We will search every nook and corner for them, as many innocent lives have been lost from both the sides.
MEx: Who are those people responsible for the present issue? Are they of Konyak origin or Chang origin?
(CKS): They are of Chang origin. Even the present Head G.B of Tobu Yanchang, Leangen Konyak is actually Chang. His father’s name is Thungti Yemba Chang and his grand father’s name is Chongshen who belongs to Tuensang village. On 16th February 2005 we received a letter containing the withdrawal of signature by some of the people of Tobu Yanchang which was inked earlier. These are the people who are responsible for creating problems between the two brothers. But we will never ever compromise to any one with our land
MEx: We heard that you have placed an ultimatum to the State Government. Is it true?
(CKS): Yes, we have placed an ultimatum to the State Government on 22nd July 2005.
MEx: Can you please tell us the exact position of the ultimatum?
(CKS): We have served the ultimatum to the state Government for a period of 60 days. The ultimatum is to fully implement the Government notification of 5th May 1986 which is partially implemented so far.
MEx: Can you please elaborate the Government notification of 5th May 1986?
(CKS): It clearly states the transfer of 13 villages which is under Tobu ADC HQ to Mon District which has already been implemented and Tobu ADC HQ shall continue temporarily until a suitable site is selected for Tobu Sub-Division HQ’s in Mon District.
MEx: What will be your next step if there is no response from the Government?
(CKS): As we have given enough time to the Government, therefore it is our firm belief that the Government will address to the issue positively. Changs though less in number should not be undermined under any circumstances otherwise we will be compelled to take our own course of action.
