Dimapur, April 24: In a major relief, four days the standoff between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM) that had threatened whatever semblance of peace prevailing in this remote Northeastern part of India was restored after the NSCN (IM) released the seized weapons of the Assam Rifles personnel in presence of Ceasefire Monitoring Group officials, District Administration and Police at Monglamukh community hall, a few kilometers away from Hebron designated camp.
The release of the seized arms of the Assam Rifles had been a major bone of contention, with the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGAR) telling as much to a team of Naga mothers that had called on him Monday. The IGAR had told the Naga mother team that the minute the arms of the AR is returned the security forces would withdraw its men in and around NSCN camps.
The NSCN (IM) had stuck to its demand that since several weapons belonging to the identity card holders of the group had been seized by the Assam Rifles, it would release the seized AR weapons only if the AR returns back the seized weapons to the NSCN.
On April 19 last, the NSCN (IM) had detained 5 Assam Rifles personnel, including one JCO and seized their weapons and ammunition, after they had strayed towards Hebron camp. Following the incident, the Assam Rifles had blocked all entry and exit points leading to designated camps of the NSCN (IM), thus aggravating the situation.
On Monday, CFMG Chairman, Maj Gen (Rtd), N George had assured the NSCN (IM) officials of withdrawing the troops, after he gets a clearance from Director General, Military Operations, New Delhil. He had also requested the NSCN (IM) to return back the seized weapons.
On Tuesday, the DGMO reportedly gave the clearance, following which the NSCN (IM) returned back the seized weapons to the CFMG officials, who in turn handed over the same to the Commandant, 29 Assam Rifles.
Officiating Convenor of ceasefire monitoring group, NSCN (IM), Vikiye Sumi told media persons that they had returned back the weapons to the Assam Rifles in the interest of peace.
He said the Government of India has given clearance to withdraw all military operations from all Naga areas, therefore they reciprocated by returning the weapons.
When asked whether the Government is releasing their weapons, Vikiye said that it is in the process and very soon they would get back the weapons seized by the Assam Rifles.
Vikiye disclosed that the Assam Rifles had seized 5 weapons from 4 Identity Card holders of NSCN (IM).
About the other weapons, he said that they had already discussed with Government of India during their meeting in 2009 and it was under process.
The weapons released today include 4 AK-47 rifles, one Insas rifle, 360 rounds of ammunition, 2 wireless sets, besides bullet proof caps and pouches.