2nd Phase of ‘Operation Kohima Calling’ brings back 553 persons to Nagaland

May 11, 2023 24 Views No Comment

1229 State’s citizens safely evacuated from Manipur

Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 11

In a joint intervention of Nagaland’ State Government, Assam Rifles and Nagaland Police, another 553 persons stranded in violence-hit Manipur were safely brought back to Kohima today through the 2nd phase of ‘Operation Kohima Calling.’

The 1st phase of the operation evacuated 676 individuals on May 7.

Meanwhile, reception was accorded to the 553 persons on Wednesday at 1st Assam Rifle camp Kohima in the presence of Major General Vikas Lakhera, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGAR) (North), officials of Konyak Union and relatives.

Out of 553, 261 belonging to Konyak tribe have been evacuated, according to army source, adding that they included 47 girls stranded in Yoripok, under Thoubal district of Manipur.

The rescue team went to the interiors of Thoubal district to extricate these girls. They were all working on hourly wages basis in a Veneer factory, the PRO (Defence) Kohima & Imphal stated.

The Konyak Union also expressed gratitude to the Assam Rifles and the State Government for their efforts in bringing the people home.

The second phase of ‘Operation Kohima Calling’ was headed by Col Umesh Sati, Commandant of 1st Assam Rifle.

Kohima SDO (Sadar) Chopenthung Ezung and DSP Traffic Kohima, Henthai Phom were also part of the evacuation team.
Meanwhile, Army official informed that with the successful culmination of 2nd phase, the evacuation operation by Assam Rifles in Nagaland has been ‘terminated.’

With this, a total of 1229 persons of Nagaland have been safely evacuated from Manipur from during the operation from May 6-10.

According to the PRO Defence, the Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) undertook ‘Operation Kohima Calling’ in two phases after observing that many people from Nagaland were stranded amidst the ongoing tense situation in Manipur.

The operation was launched in coordination with the State Government and the State Police. Several buses of Nagaland State Transport were pressed into service to bring back the State’s citizens from Manipur.

The 1st phase of operation was led by Brig Ved Beniwal, Deputy Inspector General of IGAR (N).

Meanwhile, looking into the plight of the returnees, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has agreed to grant a token relief of Rs 5000 per person/family unit.

As per the State DIPR, the State Government is also taking all measures to ensure that all citizens of the Nagaland stranded in Manipur are able to safely return to their Home State.