Dimapur, May 23 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today charged the Indian security forces of engaging in “proxy war” against Naga Army by allegedly using KNA (B) and People’s Defence Force(PDF) and wondered where Government of India (GoI) is heading with such tactics.
In a statement from its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), the NSCN (IM) noted that thus far, it had "kept its hands clean" to stay away from the ongoing "conflagration" between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo in Manipur, amidst the ongoing negotiations with the Indian government for a political settlement.
However, it accused the NIA of levelling “bewildering allegations against NSCN” to fuel the ongoing conflict in Manipur “by way of helping the Meitei revolutionary groups against the Kuki militants.”
The NSCN (IM) further expressed regret over what it alleged as the AR and para-regiment “openly standing out to collude with Kuki groups (KNA/KNA-B) against NSCN, creating a war-like scenario in the border areas of India and Myanmar.”
While KNA/KNA (B) is in “denial mode,” ground reality however speaks louder than anything else, it claimed.
To this end, the NSCN (IM) maintained that the KNA (B) is given “unrestrained access to border crossing point to Myanmar and allowed to come out anytime” while such movement is “strictly forbidden” for others.
Such role of Indian security forces, it added, is magnifying the problem instead of finding the route to solution.
Further, it pointed out that while the “FMR is scrapped” by MHA to control the undesirable element crossing the border, the Kuki groups are found as “favourable elements to wreck the presence of Naga Army in Mynmar.”
The Home Minister India Amit Shah was bold enough to say that “illegal immigrants from Myanmar created the Manipur situation...” and initiated the Free Movement Regime (FMR), however, the ground reality is different, the NSCN (IM) asserted.
“In contrary to the government decision, the NIA along with AR and Para regiment are working hand in glove with the Kuki groups,” it alleged, adding that these security agencies are facilitating with free entry and exit to the latter.
“There is a strong nexus between the Indian security forces, KNA (B) and PDF with all the scheming materials provided by the Indian security forces,” it added.
The NSCN (IM) also claimed that Indian security forces are supplying combat materials to KNA (B) and PDF, as well as GI pipe allegedly for ‘making bomb’ at Phaiyang village.
It further accused the security forces of giving training to KNA (B) to make bombs and operate “them through drones” and guarding the “bomb factory.”.
There is indefensible proof of such development, the NSCN (IM) stated.
“To put the matter straight, Naga Army had never disturbed the Indian security forces while having their goodwill missions inside Myanmar,” it added, questioning GoI sincerity.
The NSCN (IM) also pointed out that more than 5000 Kuki refugees from Myanmar are sheltered in Naga villages under Kasom and Kamjong blocks in Kamjong district and these “camps have gained notoriety for indulging in criminal activities polluting the socio-security environment.”
“The borderline activities of these refugees were made easy as they colluded with AR to walk in and out of Myanmar with nefarious purpose,” it alleged.
“While we understand that these refugees are all about fleeing for survival, their very presence has become a huge economic burden for the locals affecting their livelihood” and crossing the “tolerance limit,” it added.
The NSCN (IM) further stated that the combined forces of KNA (B) and PDF along with logistics management by Indian security forces have taken inimical stance against NSCN, deliberately targeting the Naga Army camps located in Naga areas in Myanmar.
It accused KNA (B)/PDF for the capture of 2nd Lieut Hante Ao on May 11 and his subsequent death on May 13 after “massive torture” as well as Lieut Col Yaoreichan posted at Choro village, Kamjong district.
Accordingly, the NSCN (IM) warned the KNA (B) not to indulge in such action in the future.
Further, it accused the Indian security forces of bombing Naga Army camps in Myanmar using drones, for more than three weeks so far.
The NSCN (IM) termed the Indian security forces’ action “hideous” and “nothing less than international aggression as the geographical location of Naga Army is beyond the jurisdiction of India.”
To this end, it asserted that the “GoI shall be held responsible when NSCN is compelled to find answer to Indian aggression in the manner that dim fit.”
“When the Indo-Naga political talks remains inconclusive it doesn’t give the right to India to resort to bombings using drones across international border,” it said, adding: “It is militarily and politically unnecessary, inherently immoral, a war crime and no less a form of state terrorism.”
