Dimapur, August 23 (MExN): The Chang Khulei Setshang expressed regret for the non-observance of Independence Day at Tuensang but squarely held the state government responsible for the whole issue ‘to divide the people of eastern Nagaland’ on tribal lines because even though “we were indeed in a joyous and celebrating mood to observe the National Day” circumstances beyond control led to the whole matter.
“The Chang Khulei Setshang expresses our regret for the non-observance of Independence Day on 15th August. We were indeed in a joyous and celebrating mood to observe the national day when circumstances beyond our control led to the non-observance of Indian independence 2006; the genesis of the whole incident was the handiwork of the state government to divide the people of the Eastern Nagaland on tribal line and to fragment the Eastern Nagaland People’s organization and organization working for the overall social and economic development of the backward tribes of the state” a CKS release from its Information Secretary, Lakum Soted Chang, stated.
The CKS stated it learnt that the state government was going to inaugurate the DIS at Tobu and towards this the body submitted a representation to the Chief Minister to keep the matter in abeyance “as the high-power special committee of ENPO on Tobu issue is on the verge of (brokering) solution to the prolonged dispute.
Basing on the representation, the ENPO had a meeting with the Chief Minister and State Cabinet on August 12 “and the creation of the DIS office at Tobu was kept in abeyance”.
However, in a surprise move, the CKS stated, the Chief Minister on the eve of Independence Day, sent a message “to include it in the Independence Day message”. On learning of the sudden development, the CKS submitted an ultimatum which was ignored by the Chief Minister. “The CKS views with dismay the transfer of the DC and SP Tuensang making them sacrificial goats for the follies and errors committed by the Chief Minister and his government” the release stated while reminding that so far the Tobu issue has claimed 45 lives while many have been rendered homeless and landless.
“If the government is really keen on solving the issue it should dwell on creating peaceful atmospheres instead of adding fuel to the fire by adopting divide and rule policy” the CKS stated.
