On 2 May 2000, I woke up to a message from Colonel Martin, who communicated to me through Sister that the RUF wanted to discuss modalities ...
On 2 May 2000, I woke up to a message from Colonel Martin, who communicated to me through Sister that the RUF wanted to discuss modalities for the commencement of disarmament at the town hall at 0900 hours. I immediately spoke to Major Nair, who was at the high ground, and he too confirmed getting the message. This definitely was a piece of good news under prevailing circumstances, since pressure for disarmament in Kailahun was building on us.
With a lot of questions in my mind, I got ready and started for the town hall. While leaving, I asked Captain Sunil to accompany me. I usually sought Maa Durga’s blessings at our company temple whenever I ventured into town. On that day, however, I was in a hurry and missed out on it.
At the town hall, I was received by Major Kupoi of the RUF, who informed me that Colonel Martin was on his way.
In the meantime, Major Nair too had arrived, and Major Kupoi requested us to be seated in the town hall. We had barely managed to sit on the velvety couch when we heard a bolt from nowhere: both the massive iron gates of the town hall were shut...
