Karaiba Chawang
February 27
Kohima(MExN): Though the pressure is mounting on the state government for withdrawal of the IRB from naxalite infested Chattisgarh, the state government today categorically said that it is not in position to recall the battalion at the moment.
But said that the state government will work out a modality for deployment of Naga IRB personnel to Chattisgarh on rotational basis. This was stated by Banuo Z Jamir, Commissioner and Secretary, Home today.
What prompted the state government to remain adamant from recalling the daring Nine is that despite of the heavy casualties the latter suffer so far, the spirit of the jawans to combat the naxalite remains undaunted. “They are undaunted and determine to fight”, is the tiding that the high level state team, headed by Home Minister Thenucho, who visited the battalion headquarter at Barsur on Thursday last brought back home.
The team also brought the tiding of the love that people of Chattisgarh has developed, especially the Bastar region, for the daring Ninth, and the latter government appealed for more deployment.
So also the terms and conditions to deploy the force anywhere in India agreed upon with the government of India before raising the battalion would not permit the immediate recalling of the IRB jawans. Also recalling of the daring Nine will mean defeat for the force in particular and Nagas in general as they carried the face and pride of the Nagas.
There is no proposal to send more force as the state itself is facing shortage of security personnel, but will consider sending on rotational basis.
Thenucho disclosed that proposal to raise another IRB is also in the offing, but said that it is easy to rise as the GOI is going to give the money, however, maintaining the battalion is the problem as it involve huge amount of money.
IRB jawan are reported to have submitted their grievances before the visiting state team. These included fixation of duration of their stay, to accord better communication facilities and road connectivity, and medicines since the area is malaria prone.
Home Minister, who addressed the press conference along with state DGP J Changkija, Bano Z Jamir, Secretary Home and CP Giri Special Secretary Home today said that the government has taken serious note of their demands and will be implemented at the eariest.
“Whatever they asked of will be done. We are on the job”, Thenucho said.
People of Chattisgarh have started enjoying the fruit of development, said the team. Roads construction are in full swing by BRO, while BSNL is busy laying optical fibre cable from telephone connection, said the Home minister, the region is expected to see changes in few months time.
Chipping in DGP Changkija said the people of Chattisgarh were in much praise for IRB jawans for their tactical performance and achievement.
Meanwhile, Thenucho said that the Chattisgarh government should start a dialogue with the naxalite group. Stating that talk is the only solution, Thenucho said Chattisgarh government should also listen to the voice of the people. “Dialogue is the beginning and end”, said Thenucho.
Thenucho also showered praise on the leader of opposition I Imkong for his prompt visit to the 9th IRB headquarter. At time when the battalion is undergoing through difficult moment, his visit has boosted the moral of the jawan, said Thenucho. His lady who accompanied the team treated some jawans who were suffering from malaria and distributed medicines.
