Chandel officials, CSOs visit affected villages
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Chandel, June 06 2015 : After the June 4 Chandel ambush that killed 18 and injured 17 others, people of Sulam village have been living in fear.

The Anals, Lamkang and Moyon Naga tribes have been settling in the area since time immemorial.

Paraolon Village, site of the ambush, Challong Village, Lamkang Khunou Village and Kotal Khunthak Village are some of the major villages of the Lamkang Naga tribes.

Similarly, Duthang Village, Libung Village, Larong Khullen Village, Darchol and Vomku villages are some of the prominent villages inhabited by the Anal Naga Tribes.

Subsequent to the attack of security forces on June 4, deployment of large numbers of security forces in the area for massive militant hunt has caused lots of fear and tension among the innocent villagers.

People have been struck with fear with lots of apprehension on the reactions of the soldiers.

As the security forces have tightened up security as part of the intensified combing operation, free movement of villagers have been restricted.

Amidst the prevailing tension in the area, the Chandel district administration led by SDO of Chandel, Nelenthang Telien, accompanied by various leaders of Anal Civil bodies and visited Duthang village and held an interaction with the fear stricken villagers.

When the team reached Duthang village, Assam Rifles personnel present in the village rounded up about 11 boys from the village and kept them inside a school building for questioning.

A girl from the village told this Correspondent that the army personnel as of now are "supportive and cooperative" and they have not maltreated any boys or villagers seriously.

ANTA President Wing Victor Kohring who was part of the team while talking to the villagers strongly condemned the ambush and said that the act of the combined armed groups was a direct challenge to peace.

He also informed of the assurance given by the Army Officer engaged in the operation at Duthang village that innocent civilians will not be tortured or harassed.

However, the culprits and people involved in the incident will not be spared, informed Kohring.

The Chiefs of Duthang, Libung, Larong Khullen, Darchol villages together in a statement strongly condemned the attack.

NPMHR activist Gina Shangkham, Anal Students' Union, Anal Sinnu Ruwl president St Ruth, Vice Chairman of Sulam Area Chiefs' Association Ts Thulhring and Vice president of Naga Women Union Chandel Thomani were part of the visiting team.

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