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02/04/2009: "Indo-Naga solution under Indian Constitution: Chidambaram (Page News Service)"


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Indo-Naga solution under Indian Constitution: Chidambaram (Page News Service)

Chumukedima, February 3: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today said the Centre is ready to examine any proposal from the NSCN (IM) towards bringing an early solution to the Indo-Naga political problem as long as the proposals are within the ambit of the Constitution of India.
"We are ready to examine any proposal as long as it is within the Constitution," he told reporters here at Chumukedima police guesthouse before departing for Kolkata by Indian Airlines.
As reported earlier in this daily, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) had prepared an interim proposal with 31-point of charter of demands, including special federal relationship with New Delhi along with the added rider that the Naga integration would be the basis to take forward Naga peace process.
The NSCN (IM) last year in the December 7-9 Indo-Naga talks with Indian leadership at Amsterdam had also sought for an interim proposal from the Centre. The outfit had reportedly also submitted its 31-point charter of demand to the Government of India.
The HM who came here to review the situation in Nagaland as part of his similar exercise in other states of India also said he would be happy to see an early end to the Indo-Naga problem.
"I'll be happy if the political situation concludes amicably at the earliest," he said.

ACF violation will not be tolerated: HM (Page News Service & PTI))

Dimapur, February 3: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday made it clear that gross violation of Ceasefire Ground Rules by the NSCN groups will not be tolerated.
The Home Minister who arrived here from Imphal to review the security situation in Nagaland also stopped short from saying he is not satisfied with the prevalent law and order situation in the State.
"One can never be satisfied with the situation. But we can hope for the better," the HM told newsperson here at the Chumukedima Police Guest House after more than an hour closed door meeting with State Governor, Chief Minister & his cabinet colleagues, top state police and security officials.
Chidambaram also disclosed that he has asked the State Government to strictly enforce the ceasefire.
Asked whether the Home Ministry is considering a review of the ceasefire ground rules in the wake of the Shirui incident in Manipur, PC asserted that if the NSCNs do not indulge in violence, the Security Forces will also not take violent action.
"Let's not be bogged down on military or technical parlance. Ceasefire means one does not fire against each other. So if the NSCNs does not indulge in violence, no one is going to take action against them," he reiterated.
The Union Home Minister also admitted that from 2007 till early part of 2008 there has been many killings and kidnappings as well as arrest of armed cadres for violation of CF rules in the State. The first half of the year 2008 was bad but I have been informed that since July 2008 the situation in Nagaland has improved, he said.
"They (NSCNs) should mend their ways," PC asserted while also pointing out that expansion of cadre's strength and arms procurement by the NSCNs are violation of the ceasefire ground rules.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today reviewed the security situation in Manipur, which has witnessed repeated violence by several militant groups in the recent past.
Chidambaram, who is also scheduled to visit another troubled Northeastern state of Nagaland, held meetings with Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, his Ministers, top police and security officials to take the first hand account of the situation, official sources said.
The Home Minister was briefed on the situation by security officials including Director General of Police Y Joy Kumar, the sources said.
The meeting also discussed the attempt of a Naga militant outfit, NSCN-IM, to set up a designated camp at Siroy area in Ukhrul district of the state, they said.
The militants' attempt had, however, been foiled by Assam Rifles personnel.
The NSCN-IM has entered a ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 1997 and it was in force in Nagaland only and not in Manipur.
Chidambaram also met Governor Gurbachan Jagat before leaving for Nagaland.
He will hold meetings with the Nagaland Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues at Chumukedima Police Complex, on the outskirts of the commercial town of Dimapur.
Chidambaram's visit to Nagaland assumes significance in view of his recent assertion that Naga peace talks would continue but cease-fire ground rules be enforced strictly to maintain congenial atmosphere in the state.
We defended our stand, says NSCN-IM Eastern Mirror
DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (EMN): In the aftermath of the over two weeks standoff between troops of the Assam Rifles and the NSCN-IM at Shirui village, the latter has said that Naga Army of Kiusumong Battalion vacated their camp after defending their stand that they are not on the wrong side of the ceasefire ground rules.
An MIP release today accused the 17 Assam Rifles of ‘raising objection in the manner that smack of confrontation in the midst of the eleven years of Indo-Naga political negotiation’.
It further said the civil societies jumped into the fray by organising a peaceful protest rally both on the spot at Shirui and Ukhrul town to send the message across that political negotiation is the only road to solution and not arm confrontation. The women were at the forefront and students took turns to join the sit-in protests, it said.
Meanwhile, the NSCN-IM has expressed gratitude to all, particularly the women and students, ‘for enduring all the hardships, physically and mentally’ and also appreciated the role played by the civil societies in different capacities.
It further said that such involvement and participation is critically felt in this changing Indo-Naga political scenario. “Greater challenge is already placed before the Nagas and we have to be ready to defend our political rights,” the statement added.

'No camp should be allowed' Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, ASSERTING THAT the ceasefire between the government of India (GOI) and the NSCN (IM) cannot be extended to Manipur, the All Club Organisation Association and Meira Paibi Lup (ACOAM-Lup) Tuesday afternoon, during a press conference held its office at Sagolband in Imphal West questioned if Manipur was a part of Nagaland.

The organisation also objected to any designated camp of the NSCN-IM in the state and appealed them to leave the state, however hoped that this move does not harm the good relation shared by the people of the hills and the valley.

During the press conference, Mr.Chandramani Khumancha, general secretary of the (ACOAM-Lup) questioned if Manipur was a part of Nagaland what with the ceasefire between the GOI and the Naga rebels allegedly being extended to Manipur.

The general secretary of the organisation also questioned certain civil society bodies and the NGOs who reportedly supported the ceasefire extension in the state.

"Ceasefire is only in Nagaland and not in Manipur", said Chandramani. While strongly condemning the reports of designated camps of the NSCN (IM) in Manipur, the general secretary of the Lup also came down strongly on the silence of the state government and even went to the extent stating that there was no government in Manipur.

Nevertheless, he hoped that the state government would do something good in the interest of the public to prevent any mob against the designated camps of NSCN (IM) in Manipur. Chandramani also warned against any support for the Naga rebels and their designated camps from the side of the government or any civil society organisation and further warned that the government or the organisations would be wholly responsible for any untoward incident in the future on the issue of NSCN (IM) designated camps in the state.

Indrakumar, president of (ACOAM-Lup) also asserted that the issue of the designated camps of the Naga rebels in Shiroi village of Ukhrul district could perhaps remind one of the great uprisings on the issue of territorial integrity in Manipur on June 18, 2001 and warned that the present situation could lead to the same situation.
The president also held it unfortunate that the state government was not aware of the designated camps of the NSCN (IM) in the districts of Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati, etc.

The president, however, hoped that this issue would not come in the way of the good relationship shared by the hill people and the valley people. "We need to find out who are the people trying to create a rift between to the two communities," said the president.

Calling upon the state government for a quick and amicable solution to the situation lest it harm the integrity of the people, Indrakumar, the president of the organisation also appealed to the Naga rebels to shift their camps to Nagaland and not in Manipur.
Meanwhile, referring to the reported statement of Adani David Choro, president of All Naga Students' Association of Manipur (ANSAM) that if the ceasefire did not cover Manipur, it seems as if there are no Nagas in the state, Indrakumar questioned what he meant by those statements.
"This is a question on behalf of the people of Manipur," he added.

Meanwhile, replying to questions about the increasing death toll of the state especially in the month of January alone, Ibotombi, former secretary of the organosation and Indrajit, the finance secretary observed there was a need for understanding between the security personnel and the militant outfits of the state.

Stating further that the people of the state were today living in fear and insecure especially in the presence of security forces, the two leaders of the Lup also opined that this fear and insecurity of the people would decrease if the militant outfits were to have a second thought on the public.

They also added that this could perhaps help decrease in the number of death toll.

Further alleging that the draconian law of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, AFSPA, was the reason behind the rising death tolls in the state, the two leaders also pointed out that there was no respite from the eight long years of Sharmila's protest against the black law.
Chidambaram talks tough with NSCNs SAYS VIOLATION OF CFGR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED; GOI LOOKING FOR EARLY SETTLEMENTA Staff Reporter | EMN
DIMAPUR, FEB 3: Taking a tough stance, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, on his maiden visit to the state to review the situation with the top military brass, the state cabinet and the administrative officers on Tuesday, sent out a clear message to the two NSCN camps in ceasefire agreement with the Government of India to mend their ways.
However, he made mention of the improved law and order situation in the state over which he voiced happiness.
“Violation of ceasefire ground rules and procurement of weaponry will not be tolerated,” the HM said and impressed upon the state government and security forces to remain vigilant of any violation.
He also ruled out any change in the ceasefire ground rules and said the same agreement would stand while emphasising on the pressing need to enforce it to the hilt.
On the decade-old Indo-Naga political dialogue, Chidambaram stated that the talks should come to a close soon and invited both the NSCN outfits to come up with proposals for settlement, which he stressed should be within the frame work of the Indian constitution.
“The GoI is willing and looking for early settlement of the protracted indo-Naga issue, but it should be within the framework of the constitution of India,” he said.
Commenting on the recent Shirui standoff, the Home Minister rapped the NSCN-IM for trying to set up camp in spite of the military warnings. However, they have finally vacated and the issue has been resolved, he said.
He also expressed concern over the series of factional killings, including killing of civilians, and other incidents such as kidnappings. However, he voiced happiness over reports of improved law and order.
“I am informed, since July 2008 the situation has been scaled down considerably,” he said.
Asked whether he was satisfied with the review of law and order in the state, Chidambaram said, “One cannot be satisfied with the situation in Nagaland, but one can hope for a better (situation).”
Reacting to a query of the possibility of confrontation under the ceasefire agreement, the Home Minister said, in common parlance, one does not train weapons and fire at one. “If the NSCNs do not indulge in violence, security personnel would not take action,” he said and appealed to the outfits not to involve in violence.
Chidambaram chose to evade questions on the possibility of extending ceasefire to all Naga inhabited areas in the wake of the recent impasse at Shirui.
Earlier, the Union Home Minister arrived on an Indian Air force chopper from Imphal and was received by a host of elected legislators and bureaucrats led by Chief Minister Niephiu Rio.
Situation on the mend: Rio
INTERACTING WITH the media on the sidelines of the review meeting with the Union Home Minister, Chief Minister Niephiu Rio termed 2008 as ‘not a good year as a whole’.
He, however, affirmed that the situation had taken a positive turn by July and has improved considerably till date. Crediting the civil societies, churches and government agencies, the CM said the improved situation has come about through their concerted effort.
Reiterating that all concerned parties should not provoke the ongoing ceasefire, Rio informed that he had tabled the Shirui and Pfutsero incidents in the review meeting with the Union home Minister.
He further pointed out that Standard Operation Procedure have been enforced to prevent any violation and expressed confidence that good sense would prevail.
Besides, the CM also informed that the review meeting had deliberated on the need to keep the situation normal to avoid any disturbances in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.
The review meeting was attended by Governor Shankaranarayanan, AR officials, Addl Chief Secretary Lalthara, Addl Director General of police K Kire including Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, Forest Minister MC Konyak, Parliamentary Secretaries and host of state officials.
20-day Shirui impasse comes to an end Our Correspondent | EMN
IMPHAL, FEB 2: The twenty-day standoff between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN-IM cadres at Shirui village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, the native place of the outfit’s supremo Thuingaleng Muivah, has been amicably resolved. Both the NSCN-IM and Assam Rifles have informed of the end of the impasse.
In a press statement, the NSCN-IM announced that the Shirui siege by the 17 Assam Rifles had finally ended with the intervention of civil societies and international organisations. It said a designated camp would be decided by the higher authorities.
When contacted, Major Shamsher Jung, PRO Assam Rifles, also told this reporter that the situation has been amicably resolved today morning with the NSCN-IM cadres vacating the camp around 9:40 am . There were 25 cadres in total along with five vehicles, it was learnt.
Mention may be made here that troops of the 17 AR had kept the Shirui camp surrounded since January 19. The village is 20 km east of Ukhrul town.
The Assam Rifles PRO informed ‘they (NSCN-IM) vacated the Shirui camp for their approved camps’ while adding that the AR authority in Manipur is aware of three NSCN-IM camps - one each in Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel districts.
The PRO further claimed that the NSCN-IM cadres were provided food and water on humanitarian grounds even today itself and also said no civilian was harassed during the entire episode.
According to a villager who witnessed the movement of the AR convoy along with the NSCN-IM cadres from the village told this reporter that altogether around 27 cadres were seen moving out with their belongings in fully loaded Assam Rifles trucks.
“I saw them moving towards Ukhrul, but I’ve no idea about their destination,” Rock, former Shirui village secretary, said and added that they were not allowed to interact with them (NSCN-IM).
Moreover, he said even with the cadres vacating the camp the AR personnel are still camping in the village and felt that the sit-in demonstration of the womenfolk would continue until they too fully vacate the village.
It was also informed that Luira, the seed sowing festival which was earlier cancelled, might be celebrated for a single day if the village council permits.
Meanwhile, sources from Ukhrul district headquarters told this reporter that Tangkhul womenfolk are still continuing with the sit in demonstration at Gandhi Chowk located in the heart of the hill station.
There are also reports of similar protests being staged in three other hill districts including Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong for a meaningful and peaceful ceasefire between government of India and NSCN-IM.
The Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), in a sit-in protest at the Senapati district headquarter, demanded that ceasefire between the Government of India (GoI) and NSCN-IM cover all Naga inhabitant areas and not just Nagaland. The SDSA rejected the discussion in the cabinet to uphold the ceasefire being limited to Nagaland state alone and not in Manipur.
The protest adversely affected transportation along the NH-39 as the All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur (ANSAM), United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), Senapati District Women Association (SDWA) and other student bodies of the district stopped all vehicles from plying along the hghway. All business outlets were also closed in Senapati. (With inputs from Newmai News Network)

Chidambaram to review situation in Nagaland The Hindu
Kohima (PTI): In his maiden visit to Nagaland after taking charge of the union home ministry, P Chidambaram will this afternoon review law and order situation in the state with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, top police and security officials.
After reviewing law and order in Manipur at Imphal, he will arrive at Dimapur in the afternoon and meet the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues at Chumukedima police complex, on the outskirts of the commercial town of Dimapur.
The home minister will hold another review meeting with Inspector General of Assam Rifles, DGP Nagaland, DIG CRPF and others in the police complex, the sources said.
Chidambaram's visit to Nagaland assumes significance in view of his recent assertion that Naga peace talks would continue but cease-fire ground rules be enforced strictly to maintain congenial atmosphere in the state.
Last week Chidambaram reportedly briefed the Centre's interlocutor for Naga talks K Padmanabhaiah to carry forward the peace talks with NSCN(I-M).
The peace dialogue virtually reached a stalemate after last year's talks to declare extension of cease-fire indefinitely with both sides expressing commitment to carry forwards the negotiations to end the protracted Naga political conflict. Both Nagaland chief minister and opposition Congress have urged the centre to expedite the peace talks.
The Nagas would observe Jan 31 as Black Day Thomas,NNC Member
In the next generation the Eastern Nagas or other Nagas would observe the 31st January as black Day. Because as consequence of formation of the so-called NSCN on 31st January 1980, the Eastern Nagas lost hundreds of their people, their homes and properties, which by no mean eras in the history. Also almost all Regions of Nagaland lost their leaders and dear and near ones in the cruel hands of our own Nagas. And hundreds of house wives became widows and thousand children became fatherless or orphans. If the NSCN did not form, the Nagas might not kill each other and nothing might hamper our achievement.
The formation of NSCN was strongly opposed by Aos, Angamis, Chakhesangs, Khiamniungans, Shepoumaramths, and therefore their leaders were eliminated by socialist leaders in 1979, Khiamniungan Region was completely destroyed in 1980 and in 984 they destroyed Lainong. Other Naga communities like Chang, Phom, Pochury, Sangtam, Yimchunger, Rengma, Lotha, Zeliangrong, Amamch, Somra, Para, Makore people did not know the NSCN formation, and Heimi and Konyak people have been deceived as they are simple in nature and ignorance, so these people would say on one day that we don’t know why the NSCN was formed? Be it known, the NSCN is too new, young and wrong that cannot claim to uphold the right destiny of the Nagas if some few knows it.
Thomas,NNC Member

Centre to make full use of new Bangla Govt R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 3 - A series of inter-ministerial meetings are being held in New Delhi to prepare for the ensuing visit of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Dhaka as the Government of India is keen on taking full advantage of the installation of the new Government in the neighbouring country to deal with the problem of militancy as it is a well-established fact that most of the militant groups of North East have their strong bases in Bangladesh. Highly-placed official sources told The Assam Tribune that the officials of the Ministries of External Affairs and Home had meetings in the last few days to prepare a detailed report on the issues to be discussed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister. Sources said that insurgency would be on the top of the agenda during the visit of Mukherjee, while, other issues like infiltration and movement of cargo to the North East from other parts of the country through Bangladesh are likely to come up during the talks.

Sources pointed out that almost all the insurgent groups of the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland have their bases in Bangladesh. According to reports available with the Government of India, at least 50 camps of North East based militant groups are there in Bangladesh, mostly in areas like Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet. However, most of the camps are only transit locations and only handful of militants stay there and only a few are barricaded camps where even training of fresh recruits of the militant groups is being held. Moreover, the top leaders of the militant groups like the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and leaders of the Tripura-based militant groups mostly stay in the neighbouring country. The Government of India will take up the issue strongly with the Government of Bangladesh and call for eviction of the camps as was done by the Government of Bhutan during the Operation Clean-up in December, 2003. India is also likely to demand extradition of ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia.

Growth of Islamic militancy in Bangladesh will be another major concern to be raised by India. Though it is an internal matter of Bangladesh as the Islamic militant groups of India including the Indian Mujaheedin are yet to establish camps in the neighbouring country, it is a disturbing fact that Bangladesh based groups have started helping the Indian outfits to create terror in different parts of the country and several terrorist attacks in recent times were linked back to the neighbouring country, sources pointed out.

Infiltration is always discussed whenever meetings are held between India and Bangladesh and it will be no different this time as in recent times, the Government of India has taken serious note of the problem.

Sources said that cargo movement to North East from other parts of India through Bangladesh will also be part of the agenda for discussion and sources pointed out that if the Government of the neighbouring country allows this, the entire region would be benefited greatly.

Meanwhile, official sources pointed out that India has high expectations from the new Government in Bangladesh as the Awami League is always considered closer to India. During the previous tenure of the Awami League Government, the ULFA suffered severe setbacks as the bank accounts of the outfit were sealed and the outfit even shifted its headquarter from Bangladesh to Bhutan. However, sources admitted that during that time also, the top leaders of the ULFA and other militant groups continued to stay in Bangladesh though their comfort level came down and their movements became more discreet. Sources also said that it is a well established fact that the militants received direct or indirect help from a section of officers of the DGFi, the intelligence agency of Bangladesh and the change of Government might not lead to overall change in the situation.

Post Siroy stand off Nagas demand truce in Manipur Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, Feb 3 : Even the NSCN (IM) has accepted the safe passage offered by the Assam Rifles at Siroy the Naga people in Manipur have kicked off an agitation demanding extension of the ongoing ceasefire between the NSCN (IM) and Delhi in all Naga areas including Manipur.
A leader of a prominent Naga social body while speaking to The Sangai Express said that the Nagas have geared up to begin a series of agitation to demand the extension of the ceasefire to the Naga inhabited areas of Manipur so as to bring a permanent solution to the decades old Naga problem.
He said that the Nagas living in Manipur ought to have the rights to enjoy the ceasefire in their birth place and countered why the truce pact cannot be enforced in Manipur.
Starting the movement Nagas numbering around 1000 demonstrated at Senapati district headquarters today, he said adding that tomorrow Naga students will hold a similar protest at New Delhi.
The protest at Senapati was held under the aegis of various Manipur based Naga civil society organisations including the United Naga Council , All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur , Naga Mothers’ Union, Senapati District Students’ Association and Senapati District Women’s Association .
SDSA’s finance secretary, Peter Adani said that they are demanding the Centre to implement the Indo- Naga ceasefire agreement in letter and spirit in Naga all inhabited areas, which is their right.
The new development has come barely a day after cadres of the NSCN (IM) vacated their ‘camp’ at Siroy in Ukhrul district following a stand off with the Assam Rifles who laid a siege on the ground that the ceasefire agreement is not enforced in Manipur.
Meanwhile the CNPO NSUC, Naga Women Union, Chandel along with its federating units staged a dharna at Chandel district headquarters today
showing solidarity to the womenfolk and other villagers of Siroy village who have been keeping vigil to prevent any untoward incident as a result of the stand off between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM).
Informing this in a statement, president of Naga Women Union, Chandel Rev D Bungsot said that dharna was also intended to bring peace in Naga area and sent out the message for promotion of peace and not confrontation, to observe cease fire in the Naga areas of Manipur as well,
not to break peace into pieces and call for a political solution to the armed conflict.

Chidambaram vocal on extortion but mum on Siroy ‘drama’ By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 3: Union Home Minister P Chidam-baram, who arrived here in the morning amid tight security on whirl wind visit left maintaining a stoic silence on the stand off between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM) though strong instructions were been given to the Chief Minister to deal with the problem of extortion in the State with an iron fist.
When the Union Home Minister, who was accompanied by Joint Secretary for North East of the Union Home Ministry Navin Verma, arrived at Tulihal airport in an Indigo flight from New Delhi at around 9.30 am today, he was received by Ministers of the SPF Government, Congress president Gaikhangam, two MPs, the Chief Secretary, the DGP and other Congress workers.
From the airport, the Union Home Minister directly left for the Chief Minister’s bungalow where a joint meeting was held along with the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and his Council of Ministers at the Cabinet Room. He also attended the meeting of the Unified Command (Com-bined Headquarters) chaired by the Chief Minister.
During his short visit which lasted only for 3 hours, the Union Home Minister also met Governor Gurbachan Jagat at the Raj Bhavan.
Interacting with media-persons at Tulihal Airport before leaving Imphal for Dimapur later during the day, the Union Home Minister maintained that extortion activities of the UGs is the biggest problem of the State and said this should be curbed.
He said extortion is being served on the public, schools, colleges, hospitals, etc and the fund for development like construc-tion of roads is falling into the hands of the extortionists.
While informing that he had given strong instructions to the Chief Minister and other officials concerned to come down heavily on extortions, the Union Home Minister noted that firm stand and action of the State Government is required in tackling the problem. Only then can there a good system in the State, he added.
Stating that he has been thoroughly briefed on the works being taken up by the Government and that the existing conditions in the hills, foothills and plain of the State have been reviewed, the Union Home Minister informed that the State Government has placed various proposals to the Centre for assistance and assured that he would work for its implementation after he reaches Delhi.
When asked what the proposals of the State Government were about, the Union Home Minister re-plied that it was about in- creasing the number of IRB battalions and deployment of more Central Paramilitary forces in the State.
Maintaining that the Centre and the State Govt have definite policies on containing militancy, Chi-dambaram asserted that violence would not bring any good and the Centre and the State Government would not remain quiet in the face of violence.
Commending the job of the police and the security forces, the Union Home Minister said that the number of UGs being arrested and killed by the police and other security forces should ring out a strong message to the militants.
Chidambaram went on to say that the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act has been amended to recognise funding militants as a crime that warrants action in accordance to the law.
When pressed for a comment on the stand off between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM) at Siroy in Ukhrul district which was defused recently, the Union Home Minister simply brushed aside the query saying that it is a matter that should not be discussed with the media.
According to information received by the press, apart from discussing the issue related to the recent Siroy episode, the special meeting of the United Command (Combined Headquarters) attended by the Union Home Minister himself discussed in detail the future course of action to be taken up in this regard.
The meeting chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and attended by Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), 3 Corps Commander, DGP, GOC of 57 Mountain Division, IGAR (South) and officials of BSF and CRPF among others also discussed the progress of the ongoing Suspension of Operation (SoO) signed between the Kuki underground outfits and the Government as well as the process being made to start peace talks with KCP (MC) Lallumba group, conveyed a reliable source.
In the meeting, the Union Home Minister instructed all the participating officials to take up necessary measures to step up counter insurgency operations soon after the pending Lok Sabha election, the source added.
Following a petition by the State Government, the Chidambaram also assured that India would get in touch with Myanmar to crack down on the camps of UGs from Manipur there.
After meeting the Governor, the Union Minister left Imphal for Dimapur by a helicopter of the Indian Air Force in the afternoon.
At Dimapur, the Home Minister had a meeting with the Government of Nagaland which was attended by the Chairman of the CFMC Lt Gen Mandatta, said a source and added that during the meeting the Siroy episode was discussed.
While the Union Home Minister was at Imphal, stringent security measures were put in place. Even pedestrians were not allowed to walk past near the Chief Minister’s bungalow where the Union Minister attended a meeting.
There was also heavy traffic snarls on many roads particularly in front of the Raj Bhavan and traffic cops had a tough time regulating the traffic flow.

IM confirms withdrawal Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Feb 3: The NSCN-IM said today that its armed wing, the Naga Army of Kiusumong Battalion at Shirui village in Ukhrul district vacated their camp after holding it for more than two weeks defending their stand that they are not on the wrong side of the ceasefire ground rules.
The Naga outfit said that the 17 Assam Rifles raised their objection in the manner that smack of confrontation in the midst of the eleven (11) years of Indo-Naga political negotiation. "Thus, the stand-off for 14 days after the Naga Army stood their ground. To send the message across that political negotiation is the only road to solution and not arm confrontation the civil societies jumped into the fray but by organizing a peaceful protest rally both on the spot at Siroy and Ukhrul town. The women were at the forefront, and students took turn to join the sit-in protest," the outfit added.
The NSCN-IM while appreciating the various organisations has said that for all the hardships, physically and mentally as borne by the women and students in particular, and the role played by the civil societies in different capacities, undaunted in their spirit the Naga outfit would like to express its gratitude and appreciation. "Such involvement and partici- pation is critically felt in this changing Indo-Naga political scenario. Greater challenge is already placed before the Nagas and we have to be ready to defend our political rights," the NSCN-IM statement added.


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