Dimapur/Kohima, August 16 (MExN): The Konyak Civil Societies (KCS), Nyasa Village Council and Nagaland Peace Centre have condemned the firing incident at Nyasa Village under Shangnyu EAC Hq, Mon district in the wee hours of August 15.
As per an official defence release, two personnel sustained injuries in the firing incident as Assam Rifles thwarted “attempts to disrupt peace in Mon district” on Independence Day 2022.
The Yung Aung-led NSCN (K), in a press release on August 15, also informed that it was carried out by a combine “tactical team of the Naga Army and ULFA-I.”
Meanwhile, in joint press release, the Konyak Civil Societies (KCS), under the aegis of Konyak Union (KU), stated that it was “disturbed” by the incident where the Indian Security forces (AR) were reportedly fired upon by “some underground groups.”
“The KCS is dismayed and outrightly condemn such dastardly act even after repeated appeals and request were made time and again to all parties to desist from such act in the Konyak areas,” stated the release appended by KU President, Tingthok Konyak; Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) President, Ponglem Konyak; and Konyak Students’ Union President, T Noklem Konyak.
“The KCS would like to reiterate once again that Konyak areas shall not be used as battleground by any party,” it asserted.
It further appealed all parties to uphold the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation’s (ENPO) December 18, 2007 resolution of “no bloodshed, threat, intimidation or any form of violence” within its jurisdiction “in letter and in spirit.”
At a time when human civilizations across the globe are yearning for peaceful resolution to conflicts of any nature, it is extremely unfortunate that violence had been used to make a point, the KCS noted. “ Violence in any form and nature cannot be condoned by the Konyak Naga people.”
The KCS further urged the Yung Aung-led NSCN (K) to “refrain from violence and come to table for peaceful resolution of the impending Naga issue.”
The Nyasa Village Council, Nyasa Students` Union and Nyasa Citizens in general also condemned that the “barbaric and coward act” and creating a "tense environment situation in the village on the eve of 75th Independence Day Celebration along with the rest of India."
We strongly “oppose and condemn this havoc act and will serve non-cooperation to any insurgent groups creating such like situation in and around the village in the near future,” stated a press release issued by Nyasa VC Chairman, Botai and NSU President, Z Daniel.
The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) Kohima also condemned the firing incidents at Nyasa village and Longwa village.
While the country has been celebrating its 75th year of Independence and when Nagas have been holding onto peace to solve the ongoing unresolved issues, the irrational and uncivilised actions of some people trying to complicate the situations cannot be tolerated, the NPC stated in a press release from its Chairman Pedi Miachieo.
The NPC also expressed concern that it is not the time to have “multiple factions, organisations or leaders and said: “What we need now is shed all forms of selfishness and unattainable ideology. Sadly the "Naga Political Settlement" issue is experiencing a kind of 'arrested development’ because of selfish motives.”
It further urged every stakeholder to be mature and practical and work for a common solution at the earliest.
Attempts to disrupt peace thwarted: PRO Defence
Meanwhile, the PRO (Def) Kohima Lt Col Sumit K Sharma informed in a release that Assam Rifles troops on high alert “thwarted an attempt” by Yung Aung-led NSCN (K), disrupt peace in Nyasa in in the wee hours August 15.
As per the release, at around 2:35 AM, the alert scouts noticed suspicious movement on a jungle track coming from Zankham to Nyasa.
“On being challenged by own troops, the UGs opened fire which was appropriately retaliated causing severe casualties to the UG group,” it said.
Two Assam Rifles' soldiers also sustained injuries and they have been evacuated to Jorhat Air Force Hospital for further treatment, it informed.
They were evacuated with the help of local villagers, who have provided all the support to the security forces, it added.
Yung Aung-led NSCN (K), ULFA-I claim responsibility
The Yung Aung-led NSCN (K), meanwhile, claim responsibility responsibility for the attack and informed that a combine tactical team of the Naga Army and ULFA-I attack the Assam rifles stationed near Nyasa village.
“The attack on the occupational forces will intensify so long as India continues to wilfully and aggressively deny our right to self-determination,” stated a press release issued by MIP, Yung Aung-led NSCN (K).
