Dimapur, May 4 (MExN): The Government of Nagaland, facing severe censure repercussions arising out of IR personnel fatalities in Chhattisgarh, wants every section of the Naga people to air their opinions as their ‘expressions are very important’ on whether or not another IR battalion should be raised. Notwithstanding, the government still reserves the right to the final decision and would not be exclusively dependent on what the public says. The government although is not specific, is working on how it would motion the debate.
“It is like an opinion poll but it’s still the government’s decision” Industries & Commerce Minister Khekiho Zhimomi said adding that any Naga concern be it non-governmental organizations like the Hohos, students bodies et al can contribute their viewpoints on the issue. “We wanted to get the opinion and views of the people before implementing any decision whether an IRB battalion should be raised on not” the Cabinet stalwart said terming the forward as ‘very important.’ Zhimomi also said the debate most likely would be an open media debate rather than some assemblage-specific debate like formal meetings. Home Minister Thenucho, presently out of station, could not be contacted for his opinion on the matter.
Another government stalwart, highly-placed in the State machinery also, implying that the people were muddled in their views on the IRB issue, said that no one was talking about casualties or fatalities suffered by Naga jawans from deployments belonging to Territorial armies, Assam Rifles or any other military entities in country but specifying the matter only in the context of the Nagaland IRB deployed to Chhattisgarh. “Recruitments are held by the Territorial Army, Assam Rifles and such and people are joining them but the people are not saying anything except those of the IRB” the functionary said adding that Naga Jawans from other military entities had also suffered death and injuries as like the IRB in Chhattisgarh did. “We want jobs but want it on our own terms and conditions, where we should be posted, how many to be paid” he said implying this was erroneous. If conditions are set, the whole purpose of the IRB is defeated, it was added.
Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalhuma also said the government was still working on the mode of the debate but informed that it would be a forum where the people can express their views. It would also be a platform where the nuances of recruitment in the IRB, duties, and the needful details to clear any misconceptions would be presented to the people.
Meanwhile, the Naga Students Federation (NSF), one of the staunchest opponents of IRB being deployed outside the state, welcomed the decision of the government for an open debate whether or not another IR battalion should be raise. “The deployment of Naga boys to other state’s internal problems basically to contain the struggling people is a big political plunder on the part of the Nagaland State government” a statement issued by NSF President Pushika Aomi and Assistant General Secretary Daniel Tep stated. The NSF urged the government to organize the debate at the earliest.
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