Respect sentiment

Earlier, the insurgents active in the NE region used to strictly follow a self-imposed code of conduct. For example, the Naga underground never attacked unarmed security personnel. The Naga insurgents never harassed women or targetted targeted crowded places. Till a couple of years ago, the Naga ultras kept their fight strictly between them and the security forces. Insurgents of all hues, whether they are Meiteis, Mizos, Tripuris or Ahoms all had a similar code of honour. Not surprising therefore they emerged as the darlings of the masses even as the gun culture came to dominate a society and region known for pacifist ways of thinking and life style.

Yes, times have changed. Goals have changed. Means to achieve the objective also have changed. Present day insurgents don’t care for human values, much less hollowed traditions. These days they prefer to behave more like terrorists than men fighting for a cause. Nowadays, they prefer soft targets to make an impact, to make their presence felt. Hence IED blasts in crowded places like the market and the bus stand, kidnapping and extortions. Hence no concern for the innocent by-stander. In fact, innocent are increasingly becoming the victims of the Kalashnikov.

Couple of years ago, the I-M did the unthinkable on the Christmas Day. They killed the wife, daughter and grandchildren of K. Holohon, a former minister, as they were returning home from the special service at the Church. Last year, the ULFA kalashnikoved three innocent persons and injured more than 35 people. Yes, on the Christmas day as the world was heralding the birth of the Son of the Lord and was praying for peace, brotherhood and harmony everywhere.

Catalogue of gory incidents is lengthening by the day. The image of insurgents with lofty ideals is getting blurred. Images of terrorists, who have no concern for any value system, are appearing everywhere. In the past few years, innocent people have fallen prey to the reckless gun as the insurgent turned terrorist is creating unrest, as the forces of destruction and mayhem are fishing in the troubled waters.

Take the case of Pabitra Hazari, an employee of the North Eastern Coal Fields. Khaplang & Co., kidnapped him while he was returning after  inspecting work at Tikok open cast mine.  He was killed shortly afterwards. Meghalaya ultras   abducted a doctor. Why? One doesn’t know for sure. The latest in the kidnapping saga comes from Manipur. German Heinrich Wolfgang was picked up by Kuki ultras for no obvious reason. Heinrich’s fault, if one is to say so, is to work on peace project set up after the Naga-Kuki clashes promote peace and harmony.