Naga: IRB forces lathicharged Zeliangrong rally

Kohima, Sep 4: Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) forces lathicharged the Zeliangrong community rally at Jalukie town under Peren district, official sources said here today.

People of the Zeliangrong community from various parts of Nagaland had assembled at Jalukie town yesterday and were proceeding to the NSCN-IM's council headquarters at Camp Hebron to submit a memorandum in protest against the burning of 30 houses in Jalukie-Zangdi village on August 28.

However, when NSCN-IM leaders tried to stop the rally, the rallyists resisted and continued their march to Camp Hebron.

Later, the district administration stopped the rally fearing violence and bloodshed.

As the rallyists were adamant and damaged some vehicles, the IRB jawans were compelled to use teargas, followed by lathicharge, in which a few protestors were injured.

Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliangrong Mipui (Women) Organisation and All Zeliangrong Students' Union, in a joint memorandum to the NSCN-IM through the press, demanded suspension of the NSCN-IM leaders involved in the arson.

Peren district administration officials said the situation was tense but under control.

UNI