Nihokhu Village Council appeals to Nagaland Governor for intervention
DIMAPUR, MARCH 24 (MExN): The Nihokhu Village Council (NVC) has appealed to Nagaland Governor, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, to withdraw/relocate the army/paramilitary forces based at Nihokhu Village and “to stay the firing practice conducted by the 29 Assam Rifles (AR) in the vicinity of the village.”
In a representation to the Governor, the Council apprised that the present EAC, HQ was established in 1979 at Nihokhu Village on the 300 acres of land donated by the Village for the said establishment. The Government of Nagaland had also constructed an EAC office and staff quarters for the purpose of administration in the area. However, it stated that in 1995, the 17 Sikh Regiment “occupied around 100 acres of the said government land as their outpost camp without any permission either from the government or the village authority.” It added that since then, successive army/paramilitary forces have occupied the said land and six administrative quarters.
Stating that this development has caused hindrance in the functioning and development of the administrative office located therein, the NVC noted that the village had donated the land only for establishment of EAC, HQ. It cited the Union Cabinet Resolution for “withdrawal of all armed army/paramilitary forces from civilian populated areas,” and asked the Governor to intervene in the matter.
The NVC further apprised the Governor of firing practice conducted by the AR posted at Nihokhu camp. It said that this has caused “both physical and psychological stress/problem on the villagers.” The NVC informed that firing practice of light and heavy machine guns is conducted in the vicinity of village residents, hardly 75 feet from the nearest house. It added that the firing practice site has not been fortified, as is the norm, and that there have been “many incidences, where ricocheting bullets have pierced residences and trees.” Some of the high-tension electric live wires in the village have also been snapped by the bullets during firing practice, it added.
The NVC lamented that this has led to the deterioration of health conditions of the old and the sick; disturbance to classes conducted in the school and services in the church. It added that the emission of gas from the firing of guns and blasting of bombs has even affected poultry and piggery rearing in the village. Further, many of the villagers have started to develop dry cough, influenza and other related illness throughout the year, it stated. The NVC said that the EAC and the administrative authority are also not informed about the firing practices.
It informed that the council had approached the post commander of the 29 AR, requesting them not to conduct the firing practice in the village, vide letter dated 01-07-2012. However, the Council lamented, conducting of firing practice and blasting bombs have become “more vigorous.”
Stating that the Right to life is a fundamental right, under article 21 of the Indian constitution, and that it includes the right of enjoyment of pollution free water, air and noise for full enjoyment of life, the NVC appealed the Governor to take measures to address their grievances.
