Affront to Zeliangrong custom and India's constitution by security forces: Boudi
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, March 17 2011:
Zeliangrong Boudi, Manipur, has accused the central security forces stationed in Zeliangrong areas and other parts of the State of Manipur of alleged affront to Zeliangrong custom and tradition and to the Constitution of India.
The Zeliangrong Boudi said today the highhandedness of the security forces operating in Zeliangrong areas was glaringly displayed on the night of March 6, 2011, when Zeliangrong Boudi and Zeliangrong Students' Union Manipur brought the mortal remains of Poule Nkonme from Khoupum to Longmai�Poule was a 'sergeant' of the newly floated Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), killed on the fateful March 5 by NSCN-IM cadres in a shootout in Khoupum area.
It further alleged that 26 Assam Rifles posted at Lamdangmei detained the funeral party from 7 pm to 9:30 pm (two hours) without any rhyme or reason and forced them to open the coffin which was thoroughly checked.
The tribal body remarked that the action of the Assam Rifles was against the custom and tradition of Zeliangrong tribes according to which the coffin of a deceased can not be opened until it reaches its destination home.
Stating that the Assam Rifles did not have respect for the State police force too which is established under the constitution of India, it alleged that the AR held them up despite producing police verification letter signed by the OC of Khoupum police station.
It went on to alleged that paramilitary checkpoints located in various Zeliangrong areas like 8 GR outpost at Rangjan (Ngaryan), 26 AR post at Lamdangmei, 11 AR post at Shangrung (Khongsang), Kahulong (Akhui), Tamenglong, 10 Dongra at Tamei, Thonglang along the IT Road, Territorial Army post at Nungba, AR post at Kaimai etc.
have been harassing innocent public with instances of women passengers being molested and properties and money being stolen while detaining travelers at the army gates especially during the night.
The statement also said that because these gates remained closed at night, it has become the cause for untold miseries to patients, students, businessmen and general public during emergencies.
"The Indian army has been known for its high discipline in the international level, however, the forces have degenerated its prestige and dignity in Zeliangrong areas," it said.
"Naga areas in general and Zeliangrong areas in particular are covered by Indo-Naga ceasefire," it said, and asked, therefore "why should there be so many restrictions in the movement of public and their vehicles?" .
The Nagas thought that the Indian army and paramilitary forces are there to protect the innocent Naga public but they have become "predators" by letting loose a reign of terror and alienating peace loving Zeliangrong people, it said, adding that Assam Rifles and all other security forces needed to prove their worth of being friends of the hill people.
The army and paramilitary forces posted in Zeliangrong areas are apprised not to abuse power.
Rather they should act as agents of Indian peace initiative so that peaceful atmosphere in Naga areas is strengthened once and for all.
On the occasion of their failure to discharge this bounded responsibility, they must be withdrawn in the interest of peace to prevail in Zeliangrong areas, it said.
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