KAFP, Naga civil societies claim 'third party' behind tension

In an effort to resolve the ongoing imbroglio between the Nagas and Karbi people in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, a joint meeting of the Karbi Anglong Peace Forum (KAPF) and Naga civil societies today asserted the tension has been created by some third force.
The joint meeting between the 12-member KAPF team and Naga civil societies including Naga Hoho, Naga Students' Federation (NSF), Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, Angami Public Organisation and Angami Students' Union was held in the office of the NSF here this evening.
Jointly addressing a press conference, KAPF advisor J I Kathar said the basic purpose of the forum to come to the state was to clarify certain misconceptions about the Karbi people in Assam and also to meet the Karbi people working here, specially in Dimapur and Kohima.

He asserted despite the unfortunate incidents in Karbi Anglong and Dimapur, the KAPF was hopeful that the Karbis in Nagaland were safe.
He said the tension was created by some third front in Assam and unless the Government of Assam flushes out those involved, it would be difficult to restore normalcy.
Kathar asserted that both the Karbis and the Rengma Nagas in Assam have been existing peacefully for centuries.

"Our message is, peace and normalcy must be restored," he said.
Kathar expressed surprise on the Assam government's for NIA and CBI to enquire into the killing of nine Karbi people in Dimapur and said when the tribal clashes were taking place since 2003 in Assam, why was the government demanding CBI or NIA inquiry only into the Dimapur killings.

He said investigation into the burning of villages and killings of Rengma people before and after the December 27 attack in Karbi Anglong, should be done.
He also assured that the KAPF would work towards safely taking back thousands of displaced Rengma Nagas from various relief camps.