GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 30th April, 2019
After more than 21 years of fruitful political negotiations between the Government of India and NSCN and on the threshold of signing the final agreement, what is happening at Sihai Khunou in Ukhrul district is extremely unfortunate. This is not the right time for the Indian security forces to display such hostility that will lead to brinkmanship. Such an absurdity is against the spirit of Ceasefire Ground Rules.
It may be pointed out that in every Ceasefire Ground Rules Review Meeting held occasionally between the representatives of the Government of India and NSCN, both the entities recognized that there is the need to maintain mutual trust, understanding and respect.
During the last Ceasefire Ground Rules Review Committee meeting held at Chumukedima, Dimapur on 8th June, 2018 the Government of India team was led by Smt. Rina Mitra, Special Secretary (IS) and NSCN team led by Lt. Gen. (Retd.) V.S. Atem. In the meeting, both the parties agreed to take all possible measures to improve the ground situation considering the importance of the progress of the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiation and respecting the historic 3rd August, 2015 Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN.
In keeping with such spirit, NSCN has maintained the stand to uphold the hard earned progress of the Indo-Naga political negotiation. However, Assam Rifles look down upon NSCN as its bête noire and keep on alienating them without following any ethical rules connected with the spirit of Ceasefire Ground Rules. Even if there is misunderstanding that may have come up because of different interpretation of Ceasefire Ground Rules, there is a mechanism to follow to redress any ceasefire ground rules violation. CFMG should have been informed instead of going headlong to create war-like situation and resorted to psychological warfare by using local villagers as human shield. For the hill area, this is the time for cultivation. But when the village has been place under captivity like control, all farming activities has been thrown out of order. When humane approach is set aside it only play devil to human rights.
It is pertinent to recall that having Designated Camps at Ukhrul District is not a new thing. Khangkhui-Shirui forest area designated camp which was allotted in 2007 by the then Chairman of CFMG Gen. (Retd.) Kulkarni was vacated in 2009. In 2010, mutual understanding was made with Maj. Gen. Gurung in respect of the noted camps at Chatric and Grihang. It existed for nearly ten years. Recently, Chatric camp was also vacated saying there is no authorized designated camp. Now, Sihai Khunou camp is targeted. This camp, though it may be short of having the tag ‘designated camp’ have never come into the picture for creating law and order problem in the area. Even the nearby villages would swear for it.
On 1st March, 2019 CFMG official meeting, Col. Joshi GS of IGAR stated that there is no designated camp in Ukhrul District. Such a misplace interpretation of ceasefire ground rules at the whims of any officer is a clear violation of ceasefire ground rules itself. It also made a damnation of the very purpose of signing the Indo-Naga Ceasefire in 1997 to pave the way for creating conducive atmosphere for political negotiation.
Sihai Khunou situation created by Assam Rifles B. Range (10 Sector, Brigade) is something uncalled for. Assam Rifles should not have gone too censorious of NSCN without following proper channel of addressing any misunderstanding. However, under the given situation that is turning acrimonious, it is better for CFMG Chairman to exercise sanity to designate any suitable place for the NSCN cadres to shift and put an end to the war-like situation. NSCN cadres simply cannot be made to vacate without offering them an alternative location.
We cannot help pointing out that Ukhrul District is not Kashmir, though Kashmir like situation has been created. Three helicopters along with drone are keeping surveillance over the camp. There is heavy deployment of latest weapons including artillery and these are openly displayed in the local ground. More than that, all sorts of weapons are also stationed right in the heart of the village. This is done purposely to generate panic and fear among the villagers.
NSCN is not a terrorist organization that warranted such a heavy deployment of weapons. Around 30 Paramilitary Commandos were also transported by three helicopters yesterday, armed to the teeth. Local village ground has been occupied, displaying all the weapons to create fear psychosis among the villagers. Heavy vehicles have brought re-enforcement.
In the prevailing ceasefire period where much has been achieved during the 21 years of political negotiations, it is very unbecoming of the Assam Rifles to keep on chasing the NSCN cadres. There is much to celebrate for the Assam Rifles once the permanent peace is established after the final political settlement is signed. So, the question is why always rub the NSCN on the wrong side.
Issued by MIP