Tension Escalates Between Rengma and KPLT Groups

Diphu: Tension has shoot up between Karbi ultra origination KPLT( Karbi Peoples Liberation Tiger) and Rengma Naga outfit NRHPF ( Naga Rengma Hills Protection Force) who are active in Chokihola area of Bokajan subdivision since last week relating to a news published in a Diphu based vernacular daily on 29th September issue.

Rengma outfit’s Chairman Keyhant Rengma has alleged that Resim Lekthe apex level leader of KPLT has charged the NRHPF that the outfit along with Assam police and paramilitary force is indulging in kidnapping, extortion and distressing Karbi people. Keyhant Rengma through a press release has questioned the actual motive of KPLT behind such unfounded allegation.

It may be mentioned here that few months back both the outfits locked horns resulting in exodus of large number of Rengma Naga people from their ancestral land, major communal clash could be averted after mediation between the community by several Karbi and Rengma civil organizations.

While expressing serious concern regarding the reason behind publication of the allegation in Karbi newspapers only Keyhant Rengma has mentioned that “something is wrong.” He has cautioned that Resim Lekthe will have to bear entire responsibility of his statement in near future for creating the adverse situation.

While leveling counter allegation against KPLT and over ground Karbi ultra organization KLNLF (Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front) Keyhant Rengma has claimed that both the Karbi outfits are levying heavy tax from Rengma villagers settled in Assam -Nagaland border. He declared that henceforth the Rengmas will not pay any tax to KPLT and KLNLF and has warned Rengma people not to pay toll to any Karbi ultra outfit. He has requested police and district administration to reign on the militant outfits to avert stern hitch in the days to come.

Sushanta Roy is a journalist in Assam, India, who photographs and writes about the people, animals and flora of Assam, and the things that affect them.