MHA seeks report on impasse between Zeliangrong civil bodies and 11 AR
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 20 2011: The Union ministry of Home Affairs has sought a detailed report of the month long impasse between Zeliangrong based civil societies and the 11 Assam Rifles.

An official source said that MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) sought the detailed report from the State Home Department which is preparing the report.

The source, however, did mention whether the report has been sought based on a memorandum submitted by the All Zeliangrong Students' Union (Assam Manipur and Nagaland) to Prime Minister, Dr Manmohon Singh recently.

Whether 11 AR will be transferred to fulfill the demand of the civil bodies or is to be replaced by another battalion of the same security establishment will depend on the MHA's decision, the source said.

The impasse arose following the arrest of George Gonmei, finance in-charge of NSCN(IM), Zeliangrong region by personnel of the 11 AR from Tamenglong town last month has been a matter of contention between some Tamenglong based civil societies and the 11 AR with its Battalion HQ at Tamenglong district HQ.

The AR, at the time of the arrest of the NSCN (IM) leader, charged him of extorting money from government officials as well as the general public.

Extortion notes along with incriminating documents were also claimed to have been recovered from the finance in-charge of the outfit.

However, they faced a strong protest from the people who demanded the unconditional release of the underground leader referring to the NSCN(IM)-GoI ceasefire to support their demand.

Several protestors were hurt when AR personnel baton charged protestors who stoned the AR Bn HQ.

An AR personnel was also injured in the stoning.

An armed snatched in the melee was, however, returned back with the intervention of government officials in the district.

A complaint lodged by the AR authority to the Tamenglong police about the incident alleged the NSCN (IM) of instigating the violence of the mob of around 400 people who had stormed the AR Bn HQs.

The AR further alleged six women, Eziumi Riamei, Kaidonang Dingsung, Presilla Diamei, Damchuilung, Nambulu of Zeliangrong Baudi Tamenglong and Teresa wife of Jacob, editor of De-cham, a local vernacular, of organising the mob under the instigation of the NSCN(IM) .

The AR had charged that the mob attempted to cause destruction to government properties and also mishandled its personnel and officers in uniform and who were on duty.

Categorically decrying the charges levelled by the AR, some Zeliangrong bodies rose to demand the removal of 11 AR from Tamenglong and other areas settled by the Zeliangrong people.

The AZSU (AMN) had imposed a 48-hour general strike in Zeliangrong areas on April 18 and 19 .

The source hinted that the MHA is likely to take action in favour of the civil bodies.

Comment