Guwahati, April 28 : The Assam Rifles has accused the Naga outfit group NSCN (IM) has violated the ceasefire agreement in Manipur.
According to the Assam Rifles, during the routine aerial recce on April 25, some suspected temporary hutment-type structures were observed in the forest, in the Sihai Khunou area of Khamasom in Manipur's Ukhrul district.
The troops of Assam Rifles deployed to verify confirmed the existence of an unauthorised camp of NSCN (IM) in that area.
The commander requested the villagers and pastor to inform NSCN(IM) cadres to vacate the camp immediately as it is an unauthorised camp and is in gross violation of existing ceasefire ground rules.
The same day, the UNC general secretary gave a phone call to commander of Assam Rifles Sector and confirmed the presence of NSCN(IM) camp in that area.
The Chairman CFMG was briefed about the prevailing situation and existence of unauthorised camp of NSCN(IM) in general area Sihai Khunou/Khamasom, Ukhrul district on April 26 at around 6 pm by IG Assam Rifles.
On April 27, at around 2.15 pm, it was confirmed by the chairman CFMG that instructions have been issued by the group for immediate vacation of the NSCN(IM) camp.
Accordingly, Assam Rifles troops contacted the villagers to confirm the vacation of the camp.
In the meanwhile, the area has been reinforced by additional troops and the unauthorised camp is under constant surveillance by air and other means.
A top official of the defence ministry said aerial reconnaissance on April 27 morning revealed that the camp has not been vacated.
The onus for inconvenience to villagers is entirely due to the irresponsible actions by NSCN (IM) Cadres, the security forces have shown great restraint.
The villagers who were again sent towards the camp today met Self Styled Lt Col David Rambo who is awaiting instructions from Hebron.
Despite extreme restraint shown by Assam Rifles troops, no action has been taken by NSCN (IM) to vacate the unauthorised camp.
"This is a serious violation of Ceasefire Grnd Rule by NSCN(IM). The onus for further escalation rests with NSCN(IM) hierarchy, if the unauthorised camp is not vacated immediately," the defence ministry official said.
(By Hemanta Kumar Nath, Guwahati)
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