Nagaland, post the ceasefire agreement with NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) was trudging along peacefully with a hope of a lasting solution for betterment of the people of Nagaland. However, NSCN (K) leader SS Khaplang, a Hemi Naga from Myanmar, abrogated the ceasefire agreement just prior to its renewal on 26 March 2015 by killing personnel of 19 Assam Rifles and further leaving a trail of blood. The peace and tranquillity of the State is not the same since the provocation by NSCN (K).SS Khaplang formed a rebel coalition, the United National Liberation Front of West South East Asia (UNLFWSEA) with remnants of ULFA (I), NDFB (S) and KLA (Jibon) for fostering trouble and violence. NSCN (K) has been reiterating time and again their demand for Nagalim as their right, which other than areas within Indian Territory would include parts of Sagaing Province of Myanmar. Will the Myanmar Government ever agree for this ? Naga People, the majority, have shunned violence and are looking for a peaceful settlement. NSCN (IM) having realised the will of Nagas is in a progressive settlement process with the Government of India. Many leaders from NSCN (K) not eager to witness a resurgence of violence have defected to join, with their supporters, the settlement process.
The recent incident of 16 July 2015 in Meluri sub-division requires a serious thought by the people of Nagaland. The Security Forces, on reports of kidnapping and forceful recruitment of young children by NSCN (K) in Avagankhu and Polhungri village, acted and neutralised two NSCN (K) cadres. Security Forces personnel carried the bodies from inaccessible area for 5-7 kilometres to the road. The bodies of the two NSCN (K) cadres were being carried for handing over to Police to ensure a decent burial by their families and avoid any subsequent allegations against Security Forces about the killings of NSCN (K) insurgents. It was evident that the villagers of Wuzu and Phor under duress and threat from NSCN (K) stopped the convoy carrying the bodies, in the meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge was trying to reason out with the villagers to let them go, the party was fired upon by the NSCN (K) militants hiding nearby. How else do we explain the injuries to the officer and one soldier of 46 Assam Rifles. In the ensuing melee two innocent children also lost their lives because of the action by insurgents who has obviously used local people as human shield, whilst firing at the Assam Rifles officer and jawan. The death of two children is indeed sad and regretful.
Over a period of time number of reports and indicators were received that the NSCN (K) was planning to carryout violent incident against the public, civil servants, kidnapping and forceful recruitment. NSCN (K) have also threatened to kidnap security forces personnel who proceed to their homes on leave in Nagaland. Is NSCK (K) not creating a divide between the Nagas, who are yearning for peace? Security Forces are on alert to prevent these incidents and support the local population.
We the people and various Civil Society Groups of Nagaland require to generate support and pressurise the NSCN (K) leadership to once again join the peace process, as the majority of the Naga groups have done. The process for settlement with the Government of India will guarantee against the tirade of killing, forceful recruitment and extortion and provide the much needed succour to the people of Nagaland.
