Uneasy calm still prevails in Tamenglong
Source: The Sangai Express

Tamenglong, November 10 2012: In the wake of recent factional fights among UG groups in Tamenglong, clouds of uncertainties and tension dominate Tamenglong town, the farthest district headquarters from the State capital.

Business establishments, Government and private offices down their shutters before dusk and literally life come to a standstill at night.

Other than exceptional case, nobody dare to venture out at night time.

Though the routine ROP and patrolling of Assam Rifles do not pose disturbance to the movement of the public, people prefer to stay indoors during night.

Coupled with frequent drizzling and the thick mist, Tamenglong district headquarters resembles the proverbial 'ghost town,' more significantly on load shedding nights, said an NGO worker, who preferred anonymity.

He further explained that one will never get accommodation if by chance one happens to arrive at the town after dusk.

A view of Tamenglong district headquarters town from the PWD Inspection Bungalow

A senior police officer of the town said that there are high chances of another incident of direct armed confrontation among the rival militant groups operating in the district.

It may be recalled that a civilian was killed in a factional fight between rival militant groups on October 2 in the heart of the town.

On October 24, a cadre of rival armed group was killed in a factional clash that occurred at Tamenglong Khunjao.

A total of four militants were killed in another rival gunfight atop Gadai Hills near the district headquarters on October 30 .

"We the public strongly dissent the factional gunfights among Naga militant groups," Aram Pamei, president of Naga Women Union, categorically stated.

Besides the uneasy calm that haunts Tamenglong headquarters, the district headquarters is also believed to be one of the most expensive towns in the State thanks to the bad road condition.

For instance, one has to pay Rs 10 for getting photocopy of an A-4 sized document during blackout time.

To get a mobile phone fully charged, one has to loosen the string of one's wallet by paying Rs 20.A meal costs Rs 100! .

The prices of all essential commodities are higher in the district headquarters.

However, the prices of local produces are nominal.

Although standing structures, both Government and private owned buildings, in Tamenglong headquarters are growing, the 39.50 km stretch of NH-37 from Khongsang to Tamenglong has worsened.

Besides, there are no proper road connection with other subdivisional headquarters of the district with the exception of Tamei.

In short, the condition of the district remains the same as it was a decade back.

No development is seen though many projects like rail-link, construction of the controversial Tipaimukh Dam, oil exploration are coming up in the district, apart from its richness in flora and fauna.

Aram Pamei attributed ignorance and low level of literacy of the people for the slackness on all fronts.

"Of course, the level of literacy is lower than other districts of the State," Aram Pamei said, while adding, "The public also lacks the commitment and conviction to push their demands to the Government" .

She stated that the people should have cognizance of their rights.