Chizokho Vero
Kohima | June 28
Minister for Home Thenucho today acknowledged the views and suggestions put forth by the public in regard to the proposed raising of another Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB). “Your views and suggestions will be well taken,” Thenucho assured the public at the open discussion and debate on the proposed raising of 12 IRB held at the Zonal Council Hall under the aegis of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
Although, he said that the government has already received the sanction amounting to Rs 25 crore for raising another IRB battalion, it did not want to go ahead unless the points are made known to the people. “The will of the people is supreme. People’s support is necessary,” he said. Terming today’s discussion as ‘fruitful”, he said the government is prepared to discuss with the public and seek their opinion and suggestions in the coming days as well.
Stating that there are still many areas to improve, Thenucho called upon the people to come forward and remove all the doubts. He assured the House that the government would make arrangement for proper accommodation, schools, hospitals, recruitment policy and trainings as suggested by NSF President Phusikha Awomi.
Referring to the suggestion put by Opposition leader I. Imkong for creation of special battalion for women, the Minister said that the government would discuss the matter on other days so as to deliver job opportunity to the women.
Viewing the concern expressed by the House, Thenucho also stated that training on handling landmine will be taken care of. Thenucho stated that the government has given instruction to the jawans to observe human rights norms in their line of duty. Expressing concern over recruitment policy, the Minister said that the government will do justice as far as recruitment is concerned.
Opposition leader I. Imkong felt more facilities should be provided for the welfare of jawans while taking decision to raise another IRB. It is the responsibility of the government that all facilities are provided to the jawans for their protection, he added.He also opined that the terms and conditions should be made effective, so that the raising of another IRB doesn’t bring financial burden to the state.
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president Hokheto Sumi also suggested that the government should properly examine whether the area is fit for deployment or not. Appreciating the suggestion for creation of special battalion for women, Naga Mothers Association (NMA) President Khesheli stressed on the need to give equal opportunity to both boys and girl, adding that the genuine people should not be deprived of opportunity.” Khesheli also strongly felt on the need to revive the sick industrial units in the state so that the Naga youths can be employed.
Several participants observed that proper training and equipment should be provided to the jawans. It also felt the need to give special incentive, providing proper living condition and the grievances are addressed promptly.
Representative from Naga People Movement for Human Rights, Naga Hoho, Naga Council, Dimapur, North East Students’ Organisation, ENPO, government officials, MLAs, students leaders, tribal Hoho leaders, wives and families including media person also spoke on the occasion.
Former NSF president Achumbemo Kikon was the moderator of today’s programme.
