Security beefed up in NE states ahead of R-Day

Imphal, January  23 (IANS): Security has been tightened in all the eight northeastern states for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations on Thursday.   In Imphal, 62 contingents representing state and central forces, government offices, educational, cultural and sports institutions, took part in a practice march past on Monday.   Police and paramilitary personnel have stepped up security in and around Manipur's capital city. The police has also launched combing operations. Those who are found without proper identification papers will be taken to police stations for further verification.   Some members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) rebel groups were arrested on Sunday including four who were caught with explosives.   The long border with Myanmar was virtually sealed to ensure that insurgents do not infiltrate into some of the states. Meanwhile, the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Sarbananda Sonawal and Pema Khandu respectively, have slammed the killings of two Assam Rifles personnel on Sunday. The personnel hailing from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh were killed along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.  

UNC clarifies on Republic Day news

Newmai News Network Senapati | January 23 The United Naga Council (UNC) today clarified that it had asked Nagas only in the new districts of Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Noney and Jiribam not to participate in the Republic Day celebrations. "We do not boycott the Republic Day celebrations as such outside of these new districts," the Naga body further clarified, "adding, "Our move is only to show that we Nagas do not recognise these new districts."   This clarification of the UNC was prompted by a news filed by a news agency (not by this agency) on Monday under the heading "UNC to boycott Republic Day celebrations".   On January 21, the UNC had directed the Nagas that if anyone of them "going against this directive" in the five new districts will be on his/her own risk. "The communal Manipur Government has created the new districts ignoring the four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Nagas can never accept this act of the Ibobi Singh led government of Manipur. We can no longer tolerate such acts of suppression and oppression," expressed the UNC.