
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has condemned a recent directive issued by the Officer Commanding (OC) of the Wakka Company Operating Base (COB), 44 Assam Rifles, Khonsa Battalion, Arunachal Pradesh.
A press release from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) took exception to an information notice dated January 15, addressed to village heads in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The notice stated, “There should be no recruitment of men by NSCN(IM), NSCN(KYA), NSCN(Reble), and ULFA-I in your respective villages. Any information of such activity shall be informed to ‘D’ Coy ‘Wakka COB’, 44 Assam Rifles at the earliest.” It further warned that legal action would be taken against villages found involved in such recruitment activities or failing to report them.
The NSCN (IM) labeled the directive as "high-handed" and criticized it for being unrelated to the Ceasefire Ground Rules agreed upon between the Union Government of India and the NSCN (IM). It said that the Government of India’s main concern was alleged reports of forced recruitment and clarified its position, stating, “NSCN made things very clear that they have not and do not resort to forced recruitment.”
Describing the OC’s directive as “absolutely disgusting and disgraceful,” the NSCN (IM) stated that such actions were an affront to the dignity of the Naga people. It declared, “This matter is an affront to the dignity of the Nagas. This has brought us to the situation to condemn CO, Wakka COB for his information to the village heads on recruitment that is not within his purview. What is not his business he should stay away from such issue in the future.”
The NSCN (IM) urged the Assam Rifles to adhere strictly to the agreed ceasefire protocols and avoid overstepping its mandate.