ZRF condemns, wants action

LAMKA, Jul 31: The ZRF/KNO on Thursday condemned the killing of their comrade Nicholas reportedly by ZRA cadres on the night of July 28 and demanded that the government to take prompt and constructive measure to settle the ‘burning issue’ even as it questions the circumstances in which the assailants manage to evade security forces.

The statement issued by ZRF/KNO said Nicholas was shot while he fast asleep with his innocent son and argued how such a gruesome crime could have been committed even after the SoO has been operational for almost 7 years. It decried the failure of security agencies to thwart off such incident at a time when security in and around the town have been beefed up day-in and day-out.

Speculating if there have been ‘undeclared’ or ‘mysterious’ security measures being undertaken for free and unencumbered movement of the assailants, the statement enquired how 5 ZRA cadres armed with 5 AK rifles treacherously killed Nicholas at Vengnom, Tuibuong or as to how ZRA cadres could possess arms even as the SoO ground rules prohibit the same.

It also accused the security forces of finding a quick and easy way to seize HK-33 and 9 mm pistol, purportedly locked inside an Almirah of a KNO leader, but seemingly turning a blind eye on the movement of a Gypsy with loaded arms.

‘It is worth considering on the part of the KNO that, whether the government exclusively granted the ZRA, the right to possess arms and ammunitions, and to strike and kill at will,’ it added.

The ZRF/KNO further warns that in the event of government failing to take prompt, constructive and amicable solution on the issue which it identified as ‘burning,’ the government should be held responsible if any untoward incident (s) which may jeopardise peace and tranquility erupted in the district.

1-Aug-2014 / S Singlianmang Guite / TSE