NSCN (IM) Violates Ceasefire at Sihai Khunou/Khamasom (Ukhrul Dist), claims Security Forces

Guwahati: During the routine aerial reconnaissance on April 25, 2019, some suspected temporary hutment type structures were observed in the forest, in general area Sihai Khunou/Khamasom, Ukhrul.

As per a press communiqué, Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande PRO (Defence) from Tezpur stated that Troops were deployed to verify confirmed the existence of an unauthorized camp of NSCN (IM) in that area. Accordingly, the Commander requested the villagers & Pastor to inform NSCN (IM) cadres to vacate the camp immediately as it is an unauthorized camp & is in gross violation of existing ceasefire ground rules.

The same day, General Secretary of UNC gave a phone call to Commander of Assam Rifles Sector & confirmed the presence of NSCN (IM) camp in that area, informed in the press communiqué.

The Chairman CFMG was briefed about the prevailing situation & existence of unauthorized camp of NSCN(IM) in general area Sihai Khunou/Khamasom, Ukhrul Dist on April 26, 2019 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 the immediate vacation of the NSCN (IM) camp. Accordingly, Assam Rifles troops contacted the villagers to confirm the vacation of the camp. In the meanwhile, the area has been reinforced by additional troops & the unauthorized camp is under constant surveillance by air and other means.

Aerial reconnaissance on 27 mornings revealed that the camp has not been vacated. The onus for the inconvenience to villagers is entirely due to the irresponsible actions by NSCN (IM) cadres; the security forces have shown great restraint. The villagers who were again sent towards the camp today met SS Lt Col David Rambo who is awaiting instructions from Hebron.

Despite extreme restraint shown by Assam Rifles troops, no action has been taken by NSCN (IM) to vacate the unauthorized camp. This is a serious violation of the Ceasefire Grnd Rule by NSCN (IM). The onus for further escalation rests with NSCN (IM) hierarchy, if the unauthorized camp is not vacated immediately, Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande PRO (Defence) from Tezpur stated further.