Nagaland Government had deployed a platoon of 9 IRB after the incident on September 6, 2019 which involved burning down several makeshift huts, tents and structures as well as the village church.
What perturbs the villagers is that the platoon of 9 IRB personnel stationed in the village did not do anything as the firing went on, lamented the Chairman of Lamhainamdi Village Council, Heigumchube.
According to the Chairman, the villagers enquired why the IRB personnel were not responding to the situation. “They said that there was no order from the Peren DC”.
Around 40-60 persons armed with automatic guns opened fire upon the unsuspecting villagers, the Chairman said. One of the victims, who had gone under the truck to escape the bullets, was dragged out and shot point-blank, he said. While some of the gunmen wore camouflage uniform, most of them were in civvies, the Chairman stated.
The President of Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO), Kevipele Iheilung has said that the Organisation had been working with Western Sumi Hoho in the past to settle the dispute. ‘However, in February this year, at another meeting, their villages started talking a different tune and said it is Aqahuto area,’ Iheilung said. So the meeting was inconclusive, he added.
Curfew and restrictions on highway
Peren DC Sentiwapang Aier has imposed curfew under prohibitory orders in the disputed border areas.
According to the order, curfew has been imposed in the disputed areas from Mhainamtsi (Kohima-Dimapur) junction towards Mhainamtsi police check gate to Heningkunglwa police check gate border Dimapur district. The order also bans assembly of more than five persons or carrying of any lethal weapons or arms. The order came into effect from 9 p.m. of March 23 and would remain in force till further order.
Meanwhile Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo has promulgated Section 144 CrPC on the highway stretch from Vihuto village-Khehoyi village-Kiyevi village areas. Under the Section 144 CrPC, assembly of more than five persons, carrying lethal weapons and firearms including lathis, dagger/machete (dao), sticks, spears, catapults or any other dangerous articles have been prohibited.
In an order, the Commissioner of Police Dimapur informed that the prohibitory order will come into effect from 9 p.m. of March 23, 2021 and will remain enforced until further order.
(Inputs from Nagaland Page and Post)