Seijang village refutes, clarifies
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 08 2013:
Seijang Development Committee (SDC), Seijang Chanura Marup, SPYC and meira paibees have refuted the claims reportedly made in a memorandum submitted by United Naga Council (UNC) to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding May 3 arson at Silent village.
In a joint press conference held today, an SDC spokesperson claimed that the number of houses, including granaries, extended houses and firewood sheds, which were burnt down by Seijang villagers were only 11 but not 36 .
He added that on May 3, Seijang villagers went to Silent village to demarcate the boundary between the two villages in accordance with a fresh ruling of the Sessions Judge, Imphal West.
However, Silent villagers were found erecting many houses inside the boundary of Seijang village, he said.
On seeing the move of the Silent villagers, Seijang villagers could not hold back their anger and burnt down 11 houses which were built inside the boundary of Seijang village, he said and added that no house was touched beyond their boundary.
Regarding an allegation levelled by Tangkhul Katamnao Long (TKL), the spokesperson clarified that Seijang villagers never snatched away property nor molested anybody during a bandh called in December last year.
He also said that such allegation was an attempt to instigate enmity between the two communities.
Saying that Seijang villagers still want to live together harmoniously with Silent villagers, the spokesperson appealed the Naga CSOs and NGOs to have proper investigation into May 3 incident instead of criticising the Meiteis.
Regarding the arrest of five Seijang villagers in connection with the Silent village arson, the spokesperson also urged the State Government to immediately release the said persons without any condition.
Maintaining that Seijang villagers would stand against UNC and other NGOs' demand on deployment of Central paramilitary forces at Seijang hill, he added that Seijang villagers in association with other CSOs would initiate an intense agitation if the State Government concedes to the demand of Silent villagers and UNC.
He also urged the State Government to act unbiased and do justice to the people of Seijang villagers in the issue.