Dimapur, February 03 2009: 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 Shirui 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 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 NSCN-IM statement added.