Standoff between AR and NSCN-IM; TNL stage protest rally

IT News

Imphal, April 30,

Denouncing the Assam Rifles troopers over their ultimatum to the NSCN-IM to evacuate their camp which was set up unofficially at Shihai Khunou in Manipur’s Ukhrul, large number of people under the aegis of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) staged a protest rally.

The undesignated camp is reported to be the Southern Command of NSCN (IM).

Though the NSCN (IM) is yet to release any official communiqué on the movement of the Assam Rifles personnel, a large number of people gathered at the site where the standoff took place.

As per officials of the Assam Rifles, the NSCN-IM camp came to the notice during routine aerial search operation. 

The Commander of the AR 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, General Secretary of UNC gave a phone call to the Commander of Assam Rifles Sector and confirmed the presence of NSCN (IM) camp in  that area, it added.

 The Chairman CFMG was briefed about the prevailing situation and existence of unauthorised camp of NSCN(IM) in general  area Sihai Khunou/Khamasom, Ukhrul Dist on 26 Apr 19 at around 6 pm by IG Assam Rifles. On 27 Apr 19, 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. Meanwhile, the area has been reinforced by additional troops and the unauthorised camp is under constant surveillance by air and other means.