Ukhrul, August 8: The Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang (TNZL) has strongly criticized the public notice dated August 3, 2024, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong District.
In a press communique, the Chairman of TNZL, AS Nathan, stated that “the recent public notice issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong District on August 3, 2024, from the Camp Office, 2nd MR Complex, Imphal, has raised significant concerns among the residents of Kamjong District.
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“While the DC, in his notice, emphasized that ‘the prevailing unfavorable situation and the frequent occurrence of landmine explosions’ are serious concerns, ‘locals are strictly advised not to venture out or stroll around border areas for safety reasons’ is understandable. However, it is the duty of the district administration to ensure safety from any threat to the people rather than restricting movement, which violates their fundamental rights. It is more important to take measures to clear the mines and explosives instead of restricting the movement of people in the border area.
“Many villages are situated along the border, and thus, restricting movement effectively confines them within their village compounds. It is the duty of the administration to implement comprehensive security measures, including the clearance of landmines and other threats, to ensure the safety of the people. All walks of life must be ensured to exist.
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“The restriction on movement places the community under house arrest, depriving them of their fundamental rights, including their right to livelihood, which is based on agriculture and gathering forest products.
“Restricting the movement of citizens should not be the primary response; rather, proactive measures must be taken to mitigate these threats. Free movement of the citizens must be a priority. The unrest in Myanmar, which began in 2023, has led to a significant influx of immigrants to villages in and around Choro to Kachouphung, a stretch of 100 km along the Indo-Myanmar border, which is within the jurisdiction of Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang (TNZL).
“To this day, the government has failed to resolve the issue of this immigration influx, which is creating a law and order problem, and it has rather sought to impose restrictive measures that have hindered the way of life of the people.
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“The district administration must reconsider these restrictions. The safety of the villagers is paramount, but it should not come at the cost of their basic rights and means of subsistence. Law enforcement agencies must comprehensively survey the suspected landmine areas and clear those areas for safety rather than imposing blanket restrictions on the movement of the people.”
The Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong, on August 3, 2024, had issued a public notice stating, “This is to inform the general public and, more particularly, the villagers in and around the Indo-Myanmar border falling under Kamjong District that, owing to the prevailing unfavorable situation and frequent occurrence of landmine explosions, locals are strictly advised not to venture out or stroll around the border areas for safety reasons. All concerned village Headmen/Chiefs/Village Authorities and Civil Society Organizations are requested to apprise the locals to restrict movement beyond the Indo-Myanmar border for any purpose in view of recent landmine explosions which have claimed many innocent lives. Further, in the event of any suspicious items found or movements detected in and around the border areas, locals shall immediately report to State Police or Assam Rifles for safe disposal and the taking of precautionary measures.”