Nagaland church, NPMHR wants DC release

Imphal, March 27: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council, in a statement today stated categorically that the deputy commissioner, Chandel, Yambem Thamkishore, "should be released immediately without any harm done to him." The release also chided both the IRB and the NSCN(IM) cadres for causing the unnecessary and intolerable loss of human lives in the sorry episode. "Judging from media reports so far, the killing of the 11 NSCN(IM) cadres in Chandel District was needless and intolerable waste of human lives," it said. The NSCN(IM) cadres should have known better not to be riding around in a vehicle carrying arms in Manipur state where the ceasefire area coverage issue is so highly sensitive. The Officer-in-Charge showed serious irresponsibility or foolish arrogance. The loss of precious lives that has resulted is a measure of the tragic negligence and the error must be fully admitted to start with," the statement signed by L Kari Longchar, director NBCC Peace Affairs, said. The release also said that "the IRB detachment that killed the IM cadres in cold blood after they were told to proceed, as reported, has committed a horrible excess. The consequences can be serious. The least that can legitimately be expected is an expression of sincere regret by the government of Manipur and returning of all weapons back to the IM group." "In so far as the excessive act of violence by the IRB seriously endangers the Peace Process, which ultimately affects the whole North-East, the Peace Committee of the NBCC expresses its deep sorrow..." the release added. In another development, the Kohima based Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, NPMHR, too has demanded the immediate release of the kidnapped DC. In a release today, the organization said the continuing uncertainty over die cease-fire area coverage and arbitrary interpretation of the Cease-fire Ground Rules between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has once again taken its toll of human lives when 11 cadres of the NSCN were killed. "While recognizing that the cadres of the NSCN should not have been traveling through the town in uniform and arms in open, this human error does not justify their brutal killings nor should it negate their right to life. This unprovoked action reflects the insincerity of the State and their adamancy to stall the peace process at any cost." the release said. The captivity of the DC of Chandel district does not address the pertinent unresolved questions of the cease-fire either, it said, adding NPMHR therefore appeals to the concerned organization to release the officer in the best interest of the peace process. The release said the NPMHR once again raises the grave urgency to address the issues of cease-fire coverage and the need for an independent body consisting of imminent impartial personalities to investigate violations of the Cease-fire Ground Rules. "In the interest of the peace process and to prevent any repetition of similar incidents as that of the 16th March 2002, NPMHR appeals to all Naga people to demand from the Government of India for, the immediate repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act; to facilitate the formation of an independent body to investigate violation of cease-fire ground rules; that the Indian Armed forces should be withdrawn to their barracks and that cadres of the NSCN should confine to the mutually agreed designated camps.?