Dimapur, May 22 (EMN): The Indian security forces have launched a massive search operation in the jungles of Tirap, Longding and Changlang districts to nab the perpetrators of the killing of sitting NPP MLA Tiron Aboh and 10 others near Khonsa in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday.

Aboh, 41, was on his way to Khonsa West Assembly constituency, where he was seeking re-election, along with son Longgem and nine others including personal security officers when unidentified militants opened fire at them near 12 Mile area, near Khonsa at around 11.30 am on May 21.

Army sources have confirmed that all the likely routes of escape have been blocked and intensive checks along the Nagaland – Arunachal borders have also been implemented and mobile check posts deployed to arrest the perpetrators.

Additional forces, including Special Forces troops have been pressed into the operation and specialist helicopters with night flying ability and night vision equipment being used to ensure surveillance of the area during the prevailing bad weather conditions besides quadcopters and tracker dogs, said the source. It is also working closely with the police, civic administration and intelligence agencies to identify the insurgents involved in the brutal killings.

Tirap Deputy Commissioner P N Thungon has also told PTI that the Army, the Assam Rifles and the state police have launched the operation to nab the perpetrators involved in the crime.

“So far, no arrests have been made, but the operation has been intensified by the security agencies by cordoning the area,” the DC told the news agency.

The bodies of the victims have been handed over to their relatives after conducting post-mortem.

Defence sources at Dinjan in Dibrugarh have confirmed the involvement of NSCN (IM) in the killings, stating that a group of about 10 to 15 rebels were involved in the shootout.

However, a senior functionary from ministry of information and publicity, NSCN (IM), told Eastern Mirror on Tuesday that the group was not involved in the incident.
(With inputs from PTI)

Condemnations

Several organisations from Nagaland have condemned the brutal killing of NPP legislator Tirong Aboh on Tuesday.

Forum for Naga Reconciliation

Describing the brutal killing of the MLA as “outrageous and numbing,” the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) stated that “such killings go against the very tenet of life.”

“The Forum for Naga Reconciliation strongly condemns this shocking act of violence. FNR shares the grief and sorrow of the people and our hearts go out to the families of those who are victims of this ghastly act,” read the statement.

“The use of violence is short-sighted and has no room in today’s context. In this time of fear, confusion, uncertainty and highly-charged emotions the FNR is deeply concerned and troubled. We implore the use of non-violence and contemplative dialogue to address differences and disagreements,” it added.

Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights

The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has condemned and expressed shock at the brutal killing of the legislator and 10 others.

“This tragic incident happened in the midst of Burmese Military operations against the Nagas in the Naga villages of Hoyat, Throilu and Nyanching under the Naga Self Administered Zones since May 16, which is still continuing. No matter how divided people are on issues confronting them, or whatever disagreements individuals or leaders have, killing is never the option, which is against the very basic human rights concerns,” read the statement from NPMHR.

“The Nagas under different Nation States and within states imposed on us by occupational forces have struggled and made sacrifices for decades to win the present hard earned PEACE,” it said, adding that the Indian and Myanmar governments, “through its military might continue to snub, dishonour and show utter disgust for people who longs for Peace and Justice.”

NPMHR condemned the killing on Tuesday. “May their souls rest in peace,” it stated. It also condemned “the atrocious military operations against the Nagas of Burma, where the entire civil population is reeling under gun fire, bombardments and reign of terrors, which has been unleashed on them since May 16 and up till now, while many Naga leaders and villagers are been arrested and detained by both the Burmese military and Indian Military.”

Claiming that 20 villagers of Hoyat have been reportedly arrested on May 21 (as per reports) by the Indian army while returning from Monyakshu, NPMHR “strongly” urged both the governments of India and Myanmar “to release the Naga leaders and villagers, while drawing the attention of the Indian civil and democratic organisations and institutions and also international communities as well as the United Nations.”

Naga Mothers’ Association

The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has condemned the inhuman and shocking killing of Khonsa legislator and 10 others.

“Words are inadequate to express our grief at this hour of sorrow for so many of the bereaved families, who have lost their loved ones. The Naga Mothers share your grief and deep loss of the families and the people of Arunachal Pradesh and reiterate that violence and bloodshed can never be justified in any way,” read the statement from NMA.

While appealing the authorities to bring the criminals to justice for the dastardly attacks on a Naga leader and unarmed civilians, the association asserted that “at a time in our history, when there have been great efforts of Nagas across boundaries reaching out in peace and brotherhood, it is most unfortunate that such brutal attacks will trigger immense loss of faith in our age-old relationships.”

“We pray that the Almighty God grant eternal peace and rest to our brothers and bring solace to their bereaved families,” it added.