Nagas protest against their highhanded rebel cadres

Upset with the high-handedness of rebel groups, people in Nagaland have reportedly taken up the issue with rebel leaders.

By Vibou Ganguly

Kohima, Sept 17 : Upset with the high-handedness of rebel groups, people in Nagaland have reportedly taken up the issue with rebel leaders.

Zeliang tribe took out a peaceful rally against the NSCN(IM) for allegedly indulging in acts of arson in Jalukie Zangbi village.

Men belonging to Zeliang tribe wanted to march to the Hebron Camp, the headquarters of the NSCN(IM), to register their protest with the Naga leadership, but were stopped by the police.

The anger was not against police, but against the NSCN(IM), which claims to represent Naga sentiment.

Regailong, a tribal leader, said: "The Zeliang people are not ready to stop their protest against rebels. The Zeliangs are still looking for an amicable solution."

On August 28, the NSCN(IM) cadre wanted to execute a ruling given by its court to hand over Zeliang tribal land to Munglamuk villagers. When inhabitants of Jalukie Zangbi village refused to abide by the ruling, the NSCN(IM) burnt down some houses in the village.

Francis, a student leader of the Zeliang Tribe, described the ruling and the coercive action that followed as one sided and as something that shouldn't have happened.

A few months back, some houses belonging to the Tangkhul tribe were burnt down allegedly by the NSCN(K).

People reportedly want freedom from the stranglehold of rebel Nagas.

ANI