Paiwang’s personnel released Correspondent KOHIMA, AUG 19 - TopicsExpress

Paiwang’s personnel released Correspondent KOHIMA, AUG 19 (NPN):Published on 20 Aug. 2014 2:11 AM IST Nine persons, including the personal secretary, five bodyguards and three drivers of the parliamentary secretary P. Paiwang Konyak, who were detained by Adivasi mob August 15 in Assam, have been released safely Tuesday and reached state capital this evening. The convoy was waylaid near Golaghat junction by Adivasi mob while they were proceeding to Jorhat to pick up parliamentary secretary August 15. It was learnt that ministry of human affairs (MHA) detailed central forces to rescue the hostages. Central forces escorted the nine persons and parliamentary secretary’s vehicle and escort gypsy till Dimapur. Sources said one vehicle could not be pulled out as the situation during the rescue operation escalated that compelled the central forces to lathi-charge the Adavisi mob for their refusal to release the nine Nagas. It was informed that more than 70 Adavasis were detained during the incident. One of the hostages informed Nagaland Post that they did not get any place to sleep; neither did they get proper food nor water to drink. He said it was the sympathizers of Assam Ahom endowed them food and waters to drink. The parliamentary secretary later informed Nagaland Post that as assured by the ministry of human affairs the nine members were released unhurt at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday and reached Kohima with all protection. Paiwang termed the incident as “shocking and unfortunate”. Meanwhile, parliamentary secretary has expressed sincere appreciation to union minister of state for home, Kiren Rijiju, joint secretary MHA Shambu Singh, Residential commissioner Nagaland House Delhi Joyti Kailash for handling the entire incident and sending back the Nagaland Armed Police safely without fulfilling any of the charter demands set by protesters. He also thanked Nagaland chief minister, home minister and Governor for handling the situation tactfully. Paiwang has acknowledged all members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, especially ENLU, the ENPO, ENSF and others for extending their support and concern throughout the tense situation. He further thanked government officials, chief secretary, home commissioner, DC and SP Dimapur. ENPO expresses gratitude Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) on behalf of the public and six federating tribes unit expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI and the Nagaland government led by chief minister T.R. Zeliang for the timely intervention to safely release Parliamentary Secretary Paiwang Konyak’s entourage. In a press release ENPO vice president Kekongchim and jt. secretary Manlang Phom expressed hope and confidence that the MHA and state government would “continue to work for the congenial ending of the present unpleasant situations for the larger interest of all concerned”.