Imphal/ Ukhrul, January 19 2009: Tension is running high at the little hamlet of Siroy in Ukhrul district following a stand off between personnel of Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) cadres, who are holed up in a camp there.

According to local people, who spoke to The Sangai Express, personnel of 17 Assam Rifles surrounded the camp of the IM group, which is located at the half constructed Tourist Lodge from about 9 pm yesterday.

The Assam Rifles team led by its CO marched towards the camp of the Khusumung Bn of the NSCN (IM) last night and asked the IM men to move out within 24 hours.

The rebel group has however refused to budge contending that the camp at Siroy is a designated camp.

IM source said that the camp was opened at Siroy two years back after it was shifted from Phungyar and the Assam Rifles authority fully knows this.

When The Sangai Express contacted the office of the PRO of Assam Rifles, he answered that no official report has been received.

Local people informed The Sangai Express that tension is running high in the village as the AR men have spread out to the nearby jungles.

Some farmers were also told to return home quickly in case trouble breaks out.

The local people of Siroy have reportedly urged the Assam Rifles to avert a shoot out for the safety and security of the villagers.

The IM cadres who are holed up in the said camp have reportedly sent out the message that they would also retaliate if their camp is attacked or if the Assam Rifles personnel try to over run it.

It is still not yet clear whether the matter has reached the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell or not.

The CO of the 17 Assam Rifles was also present at Siroy village to over see the situation for a long time today, said local people.

Till the time of filing this report, there is no report of any shoot out or untoward incident.