Ensure safety of students from NE: AGP

NEW DELHI, Dec 25 – Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has demanded strong action against the culprits responsible for perpetrating attacks on students hailing from the North-east.

Moving a Special Mention Notice on Tuesday Kumar Deepak Das amidst the din in the Rajya Sabha called for adequate steps from the government to ensure safety of the region’s students in the capital city.

Charging that the experience of the students in the national capital has been horrible, Das said that number of cases of heinous crimes like assault, molestation, rape have been lodged at the various police stations.

The MP raised the particular incident of December 13, when two working girls, who came to the capital city in search of jobs, were assaulted and molested by their landlords and their accomplices at Gurgaon. Both the girls hailed from Manipur.

He lamented that the Haryana Police finally agreed to file an FIR against the culprits but ‘subject to investigation’. They were booked under softer laws of the IPC, he charged.

Nagaland most peaceful: HM

Nagaland Minister for Home, Imkong L.Imchen has described incidents of extortion, robbery etc in Dimapur as “normal crimes” and claimed that the situation was under control with police effecting arrest of several persons involved in such crimes.

At a press meet held after the function to welcome veteran Congress party workers into the NPF, Imchen lauded the efforts of the police in ensuring peace and security and claimed that Nagaland was more peaceful than neighbouring Assam and Manipur

Much of the Minister’s focus was on the current law and order situation in Dimapur particularly in the light of several cases of abduction and ransom demanded by armed gangs.

Commenting on the recent abduction and subsequent release of the two businessmen in Dimapur, Imchen said it was “not a pure abduction but a hostage situation”. According to Imchen, in a hostage situation, the prime motive was ransom money. He also said police have to act with great care in such situations so as not to endanger the lives of the victims.

He described those involving in such crimes as people with “perverted mind and character”.
It may be pointed out that many businessmen have left Dimapur to escape the depredations of gangs indulging in rampant extortion and also kidnap for ransom.

Despite friskings in various locations, the businessmen continue to remain vulnerable to threats and abductions.

Asked about demands on cutting down the number of security personnel attached with VIPs so as to strengthen policing against such crimes, Imchen asserted there was sufficient police force and that public or families of kidnap victims should extend cooperation with police.

On inter-state criminal gangs, he expressed dissatisfaction with inter-state intelligence sharing.

Imchen expressed gratitude to various Naga underground factions for heeding the voice of public towards reconciliation and peace among themselves.

He said it was no small achievement that underground factions today have amply demonstrated their willingness to maintain peace and shun bloodshed in response to the call of their people and expressed optimism that this would continue.

While acknowledging the role of the NGOs, civil societies and individuals towards fostering unity among the different underground groups, Imchen also appealed to them to continue with the reconciliation process.

He also welcomed the statement of the NPCC for extending its cooperation towards the reconciliation process. While terming the statement as important, Imchen hoped the NPCC was honest about its offer unlike in the past.

The minister said a wide consensus for peace could help formulate a common agenda for representation to the government of India in order to expedite the process of solving the Naga political issue.

In conclusion, Imchen extended Christmas greetings and New Year wishes to all the underground factions and hoped that the year 2009 would be more peaceful than the current year.