CDVCA pushes for review of ceasefire ground rules in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Citing alleged misuse of designated camps and concerns over public safety, the Chümoukedima District Village Councils’ Association (CDVCA) has called for an urgent review of the Ceasefire Ground Rules (CFGR).

In a representation submitted to the Chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) on Wednesday, the association expressed concern that ceasefire camps of “underground factions” have frequently been misused and turned into safe havens for individuals involved in criminal activities.

It alleged that these camps, often located in populated areas, were being used for illegal detention and extortion, while law enforcement agencies were barred from entering.

The CDVCA urged the CFMG to amend the ground rules to allow police raids or searches in such camps if credible information about criminal activity is received. It further demanded the relocation of Ceasefire Supervisory Offices away from civilian areas and the establishment of a mechanism to prevent their misuse.

The association also expressed concern over the public display of arms by “functionaries of the factions” and their escorts, saying it creates “fear psychosis” among citizens and emboldens such leaders to act with impunity. It suggested that card holders and their bodyguards should be required to conceal their weapons.

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Other issues raised included the “random issuance” of ceasefire identity cards, which, it said, were often perceived as licences to act above the law.

The association further alleged that cadres facing serious charges with central agencies such as the NIA and ED were able to avoid accountability by joining ceasefire factions, giving the impression that their crimes were being “laundered.”

The CDVCA also questioned the logic of providing security cover to leaders of the factions, arguing that it depleted police resources and demoralised personnel, while card holders already had their own protection.

It further demanded a complete ban on recruitment of new cadres and procurement of arms by factions under ceasefire, stressing that such practices undermined claims of working toward a peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue.