Operation Kohima Calling phase II ends; 553 Naga civilians evacuated from Manipur

Maj General Vikas Lakhera informed that out of the 553 civilians, 50 are from other states and 261 are from Konyak areas

A total of 553 civilians from Nagaland stranded in trouble-torn Manipur were safely brought back today to the state capital, Kohima, in a coordinated operation by the Nagaland Government, Assam Rifles IGAR (North), and Nagaland Police.

Out of the 553 civilians, as many as 261 are from the Konyak tribe. The second phase of Operation Kohima Calling began on May 8, led by Col Umesh Sati, Commandant, 1 Assam Rifles. A warm welcome reception was held for the returnees at IGAR-North.

Maj General Vikas Lakhera, Inspector General IGAR-North, informed that out of the 553 civilians, 50 are from other states and 261 are from Konyak areas.

“I can safely say that Operation Kohima Calling, through effort by all the stakeholders, whether it is Assam rifles, the state government, Nagaland Police, Nagaland Transport, CSOs, the APO, the Konyak Students Union, or the Konyak Union, everything has come to an end, and to a good end,” Maj. General Lakhera said.

Jamkhokai Lhungdim, who was working in Manipur but had to leave because of the unrest, thanked Nagaland government and Assam rifles and expressed his gratitude after being reunited with his family in Dimapur.
Nepe, a resident of Mon district who had gone to Manipur for her mother’s treatment along with her father, was also safely brought back to Nagaland. Sharing her ordeal, she said, “We went to Manipur for my mother’s treatment. We were so happy when we heard the news of Nagaland leaders’ decision to evacuate us to safe places. We were struggling to get back home. Army came and helped us in so many ways, not just by providing food but also by helping us financially. With so much care and love today, we have reached our home, Nagaland.”

Kohima Deputy Commissioner (DC), Shanavas C announced that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has extended financial aid of Rs. 5,000 for each family.

Earlier, during phase I of Operation Kohima Calling, 676 people were evacuated from Manipur.

Also Read: Nearly 1,500 students from other NE states airlifted from trouble-torn Manipur

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