Source: Hueiyen News Service / Agency
Guwahati, June 09 2009:
In an attempt to ensure strict implementation of ceasefire ground rules, Assam Rifles have cleared unauthorized concentration of NSCN (IM) cadres at Old Siethekhema in Nagaland's Dimapur district.
With Naga rebels regularly violating the rules in the past few months, security forces have taken steps to ensure they do not come near civilians and remained in their designated camps.
NSCN (IM) cadres came out of their camps in combat uniform and began entering the Old Siethekhema area on Saturday.
Assam Rifles officials immediately swung into action by contacting the local NGOs, district officials, chairman Chumukedima, chairman Siekhema-C villages and other GBs and DBs and explained the need for the cadres to vacate the civilian area.
The NSCN (IM) cadres were then told to clear the unauthorised assembly.
Assam Rifles, Territorial Army and India Reserve Battalion surrounded the area and forced the Naga rebels to vacate.
They were forced to leave the area by Saturday evening.
Assam Rifles authorities have appealed to all Naga rebel factions to adhere to the agreed Ceasefire Ground Rules and desist from armed movement outside their designated camps.
"Such action will surely invite stringent action from security forces.
We also appealed to the civil populace to report any unauthorised concentration or movement of armed cadres in civilian areas aimed to vitiate peace and security," an Assam Rifles' official said.
Under Union home ministry directives, Assam Rifles has been assisting the Nagaland government since last year to evict Naga militants from civilian areas.
This came after the cadres of NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) indulged in bloody fratricidal killings.
Many civilians had died in militants' crossfire last year in different parts of the state.
Army sources said cadres of both the factions have been found regularly violating the ceasefire ground rules.
According to the ceasefire agreement between the Centre and the Naga rebel outfits, all cadres are required to stay inside their designated camps and they should not come out of their camps with weapons and enter civilian areas.