Dimapur, December 4 (MExN): The Army has refuted the claims of the NSCN (IM) with regard to the recent stand-off at Siethekema. “Assam Rifles out rightly refute the allegation levied by NSCN (IM) of AR being Pro NSCN (K). The allegation is totally fictitious, baseless, malafide and bereft of any truth aired with an intention to tarnish the image of a professionally committed neutral force,” stated a press note issued by Maj Pallab Choudhury, PRO, IGAR (N).
Pointing out that ever since both factions have entered into a voluntary ceasefire with GOI (Delhi), it has been the sincere efforts of AR to ensure implementation of CFGR (Cease Fire Ground Rules) within Nagaland without any bias or favour. The Assam Rifles made it clear that, along with the Indian Army and 164TA(H&H) NAGA, it exercises complete jurisdiction over Nagaland and “continues to act unbiased as a committed neutral force” and that it would adopt zero tolerance for any Cease Fire Ground Rule (CFGR) violation by any factions in the overall interest of peace in the state.
Pointing out that the standoff at Siethekema was due to a direct CFGR violation by NSCN (IM) whereby “unauthorized concentration of NSCN (IM) cadres outside designated camps with weapons in combat dress created the unwarranted situation,” the press note claimed that the AR authorities were forced to react in wake of NSCN (IM) refusal to vacate the area in spite of repeated appeals from the State administration which had created a fear psychosis among the local populace vitiating peace and tranquility in the region. The Strategic Group meeting held in Kohima to resolve the issue also had conveyed a clear message through the Chairman of CFMG for NSCN (IM) cadres to vacate the civilian inhabited area, the press note informed.
