NSCN (I-M) stated that “a kilometre radius from the designated camp has to be maintained as per the ceasefire ground rules”
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
About 31 personnel of the 25 Assam Rifles (AR) stationed at Jalukie, Peren, Nagaland, were briefly detained and later released by the “GFT special squad, Naga Army” of the National Socialists Council of Nagalim or NSCN (I-M). The outfit claimed that the AR personnel had “trespassed” into its jurisdiction on January 27 afternoon at around 2.30 pm.
The AR troops were on a patrol duty when they were confronted by armed NSCN (I-M) cadres who detained them for a while. The AR troops were questioned on how they came into the area (Ntangki National Park) located in Peren District of Nagaland.
Jawans of Assam Rifles posted at Jalukie lost their way & trespassed within the jurisdiction of Naga Army camp area. According to source, they were reportedly captured by the GFT Head Quarter special squad of Naga Army this afternoon. Later, all of them were released unharmed. pic.twitter.com/SzLFE0NmGs
— Naga Hills (@Hillsnaga) January 27, 2023
According to NSCN (I-M) source, the 31 AR personnel were all released “unharmed keeping in mind the spirit of ceasefire with a stern warning not to trespass into the area again in future”.
Talking to TFM correspondent about the incident, a highly placed source from the NSCN (I-M) said that “a kilometre radius from the designated camp has to be maintained as per the ceasefire ground rules”. The source also said, “It was believed to have been deliberately done and not by mistake as being claimed by the 25 Assam Rifles”.
The outfit further added that the “Naga army” was alert enough to check unwanted intrusion into the “forbidden territory”.
It may be mentioned that according to the revised ‘Agreed Ground Rules for Cease Fire’ finalized on January 13, 2001, clause G, “There would be no offensive operations by the Security Forces against the NSCN and that the Security Forces would act in a manner as not to cause harassment/damage or loss of property or injury to the civilian population however, patrolling by the Security Forces would continue to prevent infiltration of militants and arms as hithertofore but patrolling within 1 km of NSCN designated camps will be carried out with populated areas, and/or near Highways, SF posts. Protection of convoys and patrolling roads would continue to be undertaken by the Security Forces”.
READ CEASEFIRE GROUND RULES HERE: IM GOI ground rules
Clause H of the same rules further adds “For implementation of the ground rules, it was agreed that modalities will be monitored by a group constituted for this purpose comprising of representatives of NSCN, NGOs and representatives nominated by the Government of India. However, it was also agreed that any accidental encounter or violation should not be allowed to jeopardize the peace process and the effect of any such incident should be localised through mutual consultations. All cases of violation of these ground rules would be referred to the Monitoring Groups, so that the reasons for violation are identified and steps to be taken to prevent such violation in future are suggested. Notwithstanding the above, the Security Forces will act in an impartial and unbiased manner against any group causing public disturbances or when there is imminent danger to public safety peace”.
The government of India and NSCN (I-M) signed the ceasefire agreement on July 25, 1997. Since then the two entities had been negotiating for a final settlement of the protracted Naga issue.