Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 31 2009:
Expressing deep concern over the sufferings faced by the Zeme Nagas, who are currently taking refuge in Tamenglong district, following the ethnic violence in North Cachar Hills district in Assam, the Tamenglong Public Forum has urged the State Government to take up necessary measures for their resettlement.
At the moment, about 800 Zeme Nagas are taking refuge in Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district, following the crackdown launched by the DHD (J) in NC Hills.
Other than the State Government, a number of civil society organisations and local villagers are extending help to the displaced Zeme Nagas.
Advisor of the Forum, Ashinpou Gangmei said that the displaced villagers are leading an uncertain life and added that they are not willing to return to their homesteads in NC Hills, as the situation is yet to return to normalcy.
The Government should take up all measures to ensure that the villagers are able to return to their homesteads to their native villages and resume normal lives, said Gangmei.
As there are no roads connecting NC Hills in Assam and Tousem sub-division, security forces cannot rush to the area, when any unwanted incidents occur.
The lack of roads means that the region is a haven for a number of militants, added Gangmei.
To ensure the security of the people, it is essential that roads are built.
Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong, Jacinta Lazarus, on being contacted said that the district administration is doing its best to look after the displaced villagers, including their daily needs.
The State has already provided a large quantity of rice to the villagers, besides pocket money, said Lazarus and added that within the next few days, 150 quintals of rice would be sent to the displaced villagers.
Terming them as migrant workers, under a special scheme, the district administration has given them job cards under the NREGS and they have been provided three days employment in the initial stage, added the DC.
The job cards, would however be taken back, once they return to their native villages, she added.
E Newmai, convenor of the Tousem unit of Zeliangrong Students' Union, that the number of villagers taking refuge at Tousem has decreased from the earlier 1000, as some of them have taken shelter at a relief camp opened in Assam.