Both the Naga Hoho (NH) and Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) have expressed dismay and hurt over the May 24 Mariani incident where Naga travelers were assaulted and vehicles damaged by a mob of All Assam Tea Tribes Students Association (AATTSA) and allegedly instigated by the local Congress MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi (an Adivasi).
In a statement, Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo and assistant general secretay Nikhrolo Khalo questioned the actions of the local MLA of Mairani, who, despite holding a respectable and high status had indulged in assault on innocent Naga travelers and damaging vehicles.
They also expressed strong support to the demand made by Ao Senden for a mechanism to deal with the plight of the Nagas particularly those residing in border areas with Assam.
They also concurred with the demand for the Senden for construction of the long pending foothill road as the only device to curb border tension and to protect the Naga travelers.
NH said the state government, should consider the wishes of the people and fulfill their desire at the earliest.
The Hoho also appealed to Nagaland and Assam to examine the frequent occurrence of border tension and normalize the situation.
It also suggested that, while examining the ground reality, the presence of illegal immigrants in the border areas should not be ignored, as they were “always trying to create bloodshed and communal disharmony.”
CNTC dismayed
Expressing hurt over the Mariani incident, Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) president Ntsemo Ngullie and general secretary Imtinochet described it as an “act of terrorism” meted out by All Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association allegedly instigated by the local MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi.
They accused both AATTSA and the MLA of trying to break the age old relationship between Assamese and Nagas and opined it was time for the Assam government, All Assam Students’ Union, indigenous Assamese civil societies to check “personal vendetta” by those trying to strain the relationship between the two neighbours.
They also appealed the Assam chief minister to take stern action against the MLA, “who masterminded” the unleashing of a reign of terror on innocent Naga travellers” and to ensure safety of travelers crossing Assam.
They also criticized Nagaland chief minister and colleagues for being “silent spectator” to the plight of their people and asked if it was wrong to suggest a chief minister-level talks to discuss problems faced by Nagas? They cautioned leaders not to mistake people’s patience for weakness.