DIPHU, June 18 � Tension in the Rengma Naga-inhabited areas has not abated yet following the issue of an ultimatum by the Karbi People�s Liberation Tigers (KPLT) to Renga Nagas, asking them to leave Karbi Anglong district. The Chokihola locality is reportedly tense although there are no reports of any fresh untoward incident.
The Rengma Nagas, living in Borlangso, Khirang and Cocheng areas, have been taking shelter at Chokihola. According to sources, there were no reports of any fresh exodus of Rengma villagers on Monday.
It may be mentioned here that different civil society bodies along with the Hill State Democratic Party (HSDP) and Karbi Students� Association (KSA) have appealed for calm, peace and tranquility in the district. In this regard, a joint coordination meeting was organised by the KSA and Rengma civil society organisations here so that communal harmony in Karbi Anglong can be kept intact.
Meanwhile, the KSA has decided to visit the disturbed areas and bring back normalcy. Student leader Laychan Engleng has urged media persons to take a proactive role to pacify the situation.
P Dilli, chairman, Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNF), has also called for mutual understanding and maintaining of age-old relations.
Dilli also expressed fears over the presence of a �third force� behind the incident which is out to gain political mileage from the conflict.
The Rengma Students� Union (RSU) has appealed to the KPLT to withdraw unconditionally the ultimatum served to the Rengmas living in Karbi Anglong.
Different Naga organisations including the Naga Mothers� Association, Rengma Students� Union, Dimapur (RSUD) and Rengma Hoho Dimapur (RHD), etc., have appealed for peace and tranquillity and asked the Government of India as well as the international community to intervene in the backdrop of the exodus of Rengmas from Karbi Anglong in the wake of the extermination threats by KPLT cadres.
The RSUD announced that it would set up relief camps for displaced western Rengmas in the Karbi Anglong area on June 18. Naga student leader Gwalo Kemp has appealed to all Rengmas as well as other citizens to contribute in cash or kind. The RHD has also urged the Karbi civil society, intellectuals, church leaders and student bodies to immediately intervene and restore normalcy.
