TNL strikes tough pose against molest of minor girl
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 27 2012: The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has expressed shock and abhorrence against the recent news of looting, assaulting, molesting and attempted rape of an innocent minor of Risophung village and 12 others by three suspected KCP cadres on Christmas eve.

Such act of savagery committed on a minor, when the situation in the State is out of control is totally abhorred and condemned in the strongest term as it directly is not averse to "an eye for an eye attitude" .

"We've attributed this episode as a revenge for Momoko incident of Chandel, which the Tangkhul community will not tolerate", said a press release issued by TNL.

Such tactful game played is not a new thing.

The 13 Risophung villagers were the victims of hide and seek policy adopted to fish out the victims at their own whims and fancies.

File pic of a protest at Risophung village

Had not the film Forum Manipur and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council not declared that the bandh has been relaxed on December 23 in view of the Christmas season, only to be waylaid by other groups, no individual would risk their life.

"We condemn the overtly despicable attitude of the groups when it comes to the issue pertaining to the tribal's in general and the Nagas in particular", it said.

In the guise of providing security to the passengers, they were left at their own risk and security at the hands of the bandh supporters who were throwing bricks, stones, iron bars etc.

in full view and presence of the state security personnel escorting passengers of Ukhrul, Chingai, Phungyar, Chingai and other places of Ukhrul District.

"We are cynical whether the alleged communal Government of Manipur will be extending assistance to the tribal passengers who are wounded and their belongings/vehicles etc.

damaged and destroyed.

Moreover will the government compensate the expenses borne by the individual victims who were assaulted, wounded, injured etc.

during the attack perpetrated by the bandh supporters? Had it been done to the Meiteis every single account will be compensated and taken care off at ease?" .

In the eye of humanity, both the cases of Momoko and Awon should be treated by one and same yardstick for both of them are women.

However, in connection with Momoko incident, concerned and related officers and colleagues were suspended immediately, FIR filed spontaneously, hundreds of clubs, associations, Meira Paibis, JACs were formed.

Cash reward of Rs.5,00,000 was also announced.

It went on to ask why do the Manipur police failed to file FIR instantaneously in the case of Awon.

Vehemently condemning such unhealthy attitude whereby all attempts were made to convert Momoko insult case into political drama targeting the whole Nagas in particular and singling out the Tangkhul community, the TNL questioned the motive of the Meiteis when they remained mute spectators in the mass rape of 15 Hmar women allegedly by the UNLF in 2005 at Churachanpur district.

It also cited the case **** who was assaulted and molested in 22nd March 2012 by the IRBs in the wake of giving Home portfolio to Gaikhangam.

The orchestrated campaign conducted aggressively by blowing the Momoko incident out of proportion has severely changed the socio-ethnic dimensions of the state that will have irreparable impact.

Also, while condemning the outrageous debasing the modesty of the minor girl Awon in strongest term, who, though a minor was allegedly tortured beyond human conscience can bear, the Tangkhul Naga Long reiterated that it would not let the matter lie down.

"Lastly we strongly advise the Tangkhul Community in particular and the Nagas in general to be at constant vigil against the devilish policies of the Government of Manipur and to heed the voice of the Naga leaders any time any moment as we are entering a decisive phase", it added.