NSCN-IM condemns arrest of leaders, warns AR of a backlash

Imphal, May 15: The NSCN-IM expressed its deepest resentment and condemned the surprised and unauthorized raids carried out upon its officials contrary to mutually agreed cease fire ground rules by the 32 AR.
According to a press statement the  AR had raided the residence of Toivi Aye, Steering Committee Member, at the wee hours of May 13, 2017 at Purana Bazaar ‘B’, Dimapur, and yet in another incident the AR also raided the residence of Tia, Joint Secretary, NSCN-IM on the same day at Notun Basti, Dimapur.
“The unrelenting and unwarranted raids by the notorious AR against members is becoming unbearable and intolerable which is happening on a daily routine like operations without any basis which gravely disturbs the peaceful atmospheres. While the relationship between national workers and security forces is at its lowest ebb, such series of violations of cease fire ground rules by the Assam Rifles may result into more serious devastations and even hamper the current hard earned peace process,” the outfit warned in the press statement.
The Assam Rifles who proudly claim themselves as “Friends of the Hills people” are arrogantly terrorizing the Children and innocent families thereby displaying themselves as the “Foes of the Hill people?” it stated and demanded that the AR immediately stop such illegal raids, end harassment meted out to the peaceful Nagas, cease instilling fear psychosis and bring to an end of inhumane treatment towards Nagas.
Therefore the authorities is urged to release the leaders immediately as they are innocent so as to avoid further misunderstandings, the NSCN-IM demanded in the statement.
It went on to convey that henceforth, the NSCN-IM will no more remain a silent spectator but questions the AR as to whether such raids are executed under the knowledge and consent of Ministry of Home Affairs, authorities or not?
The 32 AR will shoulder all the responsibilities in the event of any eventuality, it further warned.