Consequences...will be disastrous, NSCN (IM) says perhaps in ref to 'military operations'

 Frustration and desperation seem to be the flavour of the season after much efforts to ensure an early agreement to end the Naga peace talks.

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN - Isak Muivah) faction issued a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, Nov 24, stating "our patience (perhaps in reference to military operations in certain pockets) should not be translated as weak and helpless".

"The consequences...will be disastrous for both the parties (NSCN-IM and Govt of India). This is never in the interest of ceasefire across Naga areas".

The militant group, which is engaged in peace parleys with Centre since 1997, says: "Naga people believe in solution based on mutual respect of each other's position. But we not believe in force union bereft of any political wisdom. Nor do we believe in carrot and stick policy that will only complicate what has been achieved all these years of negotiation".

The statement from NSCN (IM) whose leaders were provided with 'Z-Plus' security by the Government of India lately makes lot of sense and has wide ranging implications.

All these happened on a day, Chief of army staff. Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane arrived state capital Kohima as part of his three-day vital visit to various formations under the army’s eastern command to review security and operational preparedness. 

It was given out locally that the army chief will be 'guest'of the Governor R N Ravi, who is chief negotiator to Naga peace parleys but is not in very good relations with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

However, sources on Tuesday said the army chief merely "called on Nagaland Governor" at the Raj Bhavan and also later met chief minister Neiphiu Rio.

The meetings also with senior  security related officials including commanders from para military force Assam Rifles were held to mainly review the security situation in the state.

Signals Tough stance amid 'peace bonanza' 

On 24 November, the chief of army visited various Army and Assam Rifles Headquarters in Nagaland and Manipur to make a firsthand assessment of the ground situation. The COAS interacted extensively with the troops deployed in the remote areas and appreciated their state of operational preparedness, morale and conduct of people friendly operations. 

Later in the evening, General Naravane called on the Hon’ble Governor of Nagaland, Mr RN Ravi and Chief Minister, Mr Neiphiu Rio to discuss prevailing security situation in the state and assured the wholehearted support of the Army and Assam Rifles in maintaining peace and tranquility in the state and ensuring security along the Indo-Myanmar border, said a Defence statement.

As part of Indian Army’s efforts in contributing towards development and equitable opportunities to all sections of the society, a new residential facility at Kohima Orphanage to be run by Assam Rifles will be inaugurated by the COAS on 25 November 2020 prior to his return to New Delhi.

Recently security forces conducted a high profile military operation at the Tamenglong region in Manipur wherein a big NSCN(IM) militant camp existed. The crackdown assumes significance since the Assam Rifles along with the Nagaland Police had in July busted an 'extortion racket allegedly operated by the NSCN(IM)' in Dimapur.

A key NSCN(IM) leader Rayilung Nsarngbe and his two associates were also arrested on July 5. In fact, the Governor subsequently issued a strong statement provoking angry reactions from NSCN (IM) and its mercurial leader but now aging Thuingaleng Muivah.

The NSCN (IM) 'insistence' on Naga Flag and separate Constitution has been categorically rejected by the Government of India. Even former Mizoram Governor Swaraj Kaushal, who was also a negotiator in Naga peace talks in 1998, has counseled Muivah and his group to desist from such demands.

In the meantime, of course the government negotiators have made significant progress in talks with NNPG, the umbrella organisation of Naga militant groups operating within the state of Nagaland.

Recently, the Home Ministry in the centre issued strict orders to Assam Rifles to intensify all security-related operations.

The NSCN (IM) latest statement thus says - "The MHA issuing directive to the Assam Rifles to intensify operations against NSCN (IM) has come as a rude shock".

It has also counseled that "the Government of India must handle with great sensitivity and not prodded the Indian security forces and other security agencies to ruch amok against the NSCN (IM)".

The Tamenglong encounter has added new dynamics to the entire game. According to Manipur Police, one NSCN(IM) insurgent was killed and three were injured in the encounter.

This forest area is about 10-12 km south of Khoupum police station in Tamenglong district. 

 

Tricolour has to triumph 

Security forces had in July found Rs 1.59 crore in cash and 2 kg of RDX explosive with a large number of guns and ammunition from the possession of a top NSCN(IM) leader. The case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency as part of its probe into terror-funding cases. 

Assam Rifles sources in Manipur have said more 'Tamenglong type operations' would be carried out targeting other such militant 'hideouts' in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, where NSCN(IM) camps are said to be "illegal". 

NSCN (IM) wanted the ceasefire to be extended beyond 'Nagaland state', but such a plea has been rejected by the Government of India over last two decades.

ends