Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, January 10 2009:
Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR), Lt.Gen.
Karan Singh Yadav has termed the January 8 incident in Nagaland's Phek district between the NSCN-IM and Assam Rifles as 'very unfortunate'.
Interacting with media-persons on the sidelines of the Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Rally at 26 Assam Rifles in Kohima today, the DGAR said Assam Rifles take extra care to be friendly with people of the area wherever they are posted.
Asserting that security forces, especially the Assam Rifles in the region are deeply committed to ensure peace and tranquillity prevail, he clarified that the Assam Rifles officer with jawans had gone to area dominated by the NSCN-IM cadres not with any ulterior motive but to drop some equipment at a nearby village, besides regular patrolling.
On the otherhand, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), JP Nehra said it was only 'technical error of judgement' on the part of the Assam Rifles officer but not a violation of cease fire ground rules.
He also clarified that if the intention was something else than the officer would have gone with more force and not just six of them.
Claiming that everyday such violation of ceasefire ground rules by the NSCN-IM cadres are resolved peaceful, he said 'NSCN-IM had committed 'gross violation of the spirit of cease fire'.
Nevertheless, he expressed happiness that the matter was resolved amicably with both sides exercising utmost restraint.