Ao Churches across Nagaland pray for peace along border with Assam
DIMAPUR, MARCH 11 (MExN): Even as tension continued in the Assam-Mokokchung border, Ao churches across Nagaland today took time to pray for peace and early resolution of the current dispute. It was reported that the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), the apex church organization of the Ao Nagas, had taken the initiative to ask all churches under ABAM to take up the ongoing border problem as one of the prayer point during today’s Sunday service.
Meanwhile in order to defuse the ongoing blockade imposed on Nagaland by Assam Tea Tribes Students Association (ATTSA), a high level official meeting was convened at the behest of Upper Assam Commissioner Iftikhar Hussain today in the conference hall of Mariani College. This was informed in a message issued by Er. Temsu Wathi Ao, Coordinator, Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland).
Besides Commissioner of Upper Assam Division, Deputy Commissioner of Jorhat Ramesh Ch Jain, Smt Lithrongla G Chishi, Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, Superintendent of Police from both Mokokchung & Jorhat, other Government officials from the States, leaders from Assam Tea Tribes Student Association and members of the Border Peace Coordination Committee attended the meeting.
The house discussed thoroughly the incidents that led to the eco blockade imposed by the ATTSA. In order to bring an end to the present impasse, the Governments agreed to look into the demands placed by the aggrieved party. It was further resolved that to ease the situation, a peace coordination meet will be held at Naganijan Tea Estate office premises on Tuesday, 13th March 2012 at 11 am comprising public from both where the district administrations from either side will coordinate.
To smoothen the present imbroglio, the house appealed to suspend the current blockade to the bandh organisers but ATTSA sought time to further discuss today’s meeting outcome amongst themselves. It is understood that ATTSA is convening a meeting tomorrow and take decision to this effect.
The press note has therefore advised road users from Nagaland not to travel through these routes till the blockade is lifted.
