Nagaland CM calls on Assam CM on Rengma Naga issue

A high-level ministerial delegation of Nagaland government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had met Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to apprise and express serious concerns about recent killings, resulting in exodus of Rengma Nagas from Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council of Assam.
Both the chief ministers of Nagaland and Assam met at the Circuit House in Jorhat on December 31, an official release issued by Nagaland government Commissioner and Secretary to Chief Minister, L Kire yesterday said.
The Nagaland delegation was briefed on the steps taken by Assam government to control the situation and bring about normalcy in order to instill confidence among the displaced Rengma Nagas to return home.

Some of these steps included setting up of temporary police pickets in the violence hit areas with 10 companies of CRPF which had been deputed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, seven companies of Assam police.
Rio suggested that in view of the vast areas inhabited by the Rengma Nagas in Assam, Village Guards (VG) similar to the VGs in Nagaland to protect themselves may be explored since salaries and allowances are sanctioned and subsidized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Nagaland Assembly Deputy Speaker Er Levi Rengma suggested setting up of permanent police outposts in the Rengma Naga inhabited areas which was taken positive note of by the Assam Chief Minister for consideration.

A delegation of Naga civil societies which included apex organisations - Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers Association and Naga Students' Federation (NSF) had also met the officials of Assam Government on December 30 last on the same issue.
A release issued by Naga Hoho information and publicity secretary C Daipao said that the Government of Assam has assured protection of Rengma Nagas taking shelter in forested areas after they fled their homes following the recent attack by Karbi militants in Karbi Anglong.
The Assam government has also assured that the current tense situation would be brought to "normalcy" in a few days, the Hoho said.