Protest rallies held over abductions by NSCN (K-YA) in Arunachal Pradesh

A CORRESPONDENT

CHANGLANG: Distressed over the repeated abduction of civilians from the Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL) districts by the NSCN (K-YA), the Tirap, Changlang, Longding Peoples' Forum (TCLPF), organized a mass peaceful protest at the respective district headquarters on Monday.

Thousands of people from all walks of life joined the rally. The forum also submitted two-point memorandums to the respective district Deputy Commissioners, demanding security for the people and facilitation of basic needs to those youths who have surrendered.

TCLPF member Nongming K Longchang told the reporters that more than 20 civilians have been abducted by the group in the past couple of months. This protest is a clear message to the underground elements that no such incidents should happen in the future.

He appealed to the underground leaders, irrespective of any group, to refrain from such activity which creates imbalance in the peaceful living of the civilians of the three districts. He added that the groups should also refrain from extortion activities, so as to maintain peace and harmony among the people.

"I also appeal to the Central Government to immediately bring to a permanent solution to Indo-Naga peace talks. So that along with the TCL, rest of the Naga-inhabited areas rise to a peaceful place," he said, whle informing that the rally was initiated under the direction of the Wangcho Council (WC).

Sending a strong message to the NSCN (K-YA) leaders to refrain from any kind of abduction or extortion, Wangcho Students Union (WSU) president Pongngoi Joham said that there are reports that a Gaon Burah of Chaotong village was kidnapped recently. He said that the group should immediately release the Gaon Burah.

He appealed to Chief Minister Pema Khandu to come up with a step to end the repeated cycle of kidnappings and extortion in the TCL region.

"From very childhood, the people of our TCL districts have been living in a fear psychosis situation where freedom is almost lost. Therefore, I appeal to the NSCN (K-YA) and other groups to let the people live in peace and harmony," he said.

Meanwhile, the Wancho Council vic-president Gangsong Gangsa said that the public, along with students unions and community-based organizations, have been raising their voices against the atrocities of underground elements since decades, and will continue to do so in future too.

He said that the matter does not only concern the Wacho tribes, but all the tribes of the three districts and the council along with the rest of the tribes will always thrive to resolve the matter.

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