Dimapur June 1 (MExN): Following the recent renewed surge of factional clashes between the NSCN (IM) and the NSCN (K), as well as the threat of such out breaks particularly in the two central districts of Kohima and Dimapur, the Government of Nagaland will be convening a security-coordination consultation “very soon”. It was informed that the Security coordination consultation was to be held Thursday at Kohima; however, due to some exigency the scheduled meeting could not be held.
Highly-informed sources said the meeting was proposed to be convened taking into cognizance the threat of a factional clash in various parts of the state, particularly Dimapur city where a showdown is expected anytime. It is observed that the pressure for the “intervention” of the state government to act into the factional clashes, was heightened by the contention of NSCN (K) Kilonser AZ Jami that Dimapur, a bastion of the NSCN (IM), be ‘taken over’.
When contacted over the matter a highly-placed official from the Home department said the Nagaland government had taken serious cognizance of factional clashes and to this effect called for a coordination-meeting to assess the law and order situation vis-à-vis the two NSCNs. “From what we know lots of developments are taking place. A security coordination meeting would be held very soon expected within the next few days” the official said.
Also, Principal Secretary, Home, Banuo Jamir when contacted said that the matter is difficult for the state government to intervene directly since it involves issues of ground rules and that to that effect, the barrier is even more augmented as the Government of India is not making any changes in the said ground rules. “We are concerned about the developments. The Government is apprised of the matter” the Principal Secretary said.
Meanwhile the NSCN (IM), reacting to the press statement of NSCN (K) Kilonser AZ Jami that Dimapur would be ‘taken over’, has reiterated that no compromise would be made. “We are prepared to meet any eventuality at any cost to protect the Naga peoples in general and Dimapurians in particular and also the ongoing peace process” a release from Romeo Sankhil, Secretary, Union Territory-I, NSCN (IM) stated. Towards that effect, the organization informed that cadres have been deployed in “every nook and corner” of Dimapur.
“We have also better equi-closeness with the entire public of Dimapur area, there is no room for such anti-nationalist to settle here in Dimapur’ the NSCN (IM) said while appealing to all the GBs, Chairmen and citizens of Dimapur to “keep vigil” in their respective neighborhood, ward, colony and villages.
The NSCN (K) however, has challenged the assertion of its rival. “We are not willing to take the challenge lying down. We are not keeping our fingers crossed” a highly-place secretary from the NSCN (K) Defense Wing said over phone. He refused to be identified on grounds that further orders from the NSCN (K) are being awaited as well as what the government would say on the matter. It was impressed that cadres have been put on alert to meet the challenge of the NSCN (IM). “It is high time we retaliate. We cannot keep quiet any longer” the functionary said.
