NSCN (K) constructing bunkers in Myanmar
Source: The Sangai Express / Times News Network

New Delhi, July 17 2015 : Fearing an "adverse situation" at its hideouts in Taga, Myanmar, in the wake of Myanmar Army's movement towards the area, Naga insurgent outfit NSCN(Khaplang) has started constructing bunkers there with Ulfa's help.

According to intelligence inputs reaching the Centre, NSCN(K) officials instructed Ulfa officials in June to complete construction of underground facilities at "undisclosed locations" in Taga region.

The cadres were also advised to restrict their movement and store essential items in adequate quantity to meet requirements during an adverse situation.

"Conversations within Ulfa units reveal that the Ulfa units in Taga area have already stored essential items, including ration items like rice, salt, etc," according to a Home Ministry official.

As part of its new strategy, NSCN(K) has segregated cadres housed at its general headquarters (GHQ) in Taga in groups of 10-16 each and redeployed them at new camps.

The aforesaid inputs were taken up at the meeting of Indo-Myanmar joint consultative commission, co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Myanmarese counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin, here on Thursday.

According to Home Ministry sources, India sought the intervention of Myanmar, which is in a truce with NSCN(K), to pressure NSCN(K) leadership into stopping the hostilities against India, including the recent abduction of nine Naga youth for alleged recruitment in its ranks.

"Yangon can persuade Khaplang to stop anti-India activities or face end of their truce in Myanmar," suggested a Home Ministry officer.

Even as India and Myanmar discuss coordinated action against hideouts of NSCN(K) and groups like PLA or KYKL in Myanmar, the Union Home Ministry is said to be keen on intelligence cooperation through nodal points nominated by each side.

Home Ministry sources recalled a proposal seeking posting of a Cabinet Secretariat officer at the Indian embassy in Yangon, and establishment of contact between intelligence liaison officer at Myanmar embassy in new Delhi and the nodal point in multi-agency centre here.

India is said to have expressed serious concern at the recruitment drive launched by NSCN(K) by abducting 9 youth from Naga villages bordering Myanmar.

Inputs suggest that the abduction was carried out by NSCN(K) functionaries, self-styled Brigadier Kurichu and self-styled chairman of Tisary region Y Asang.

It is learnt that the two functionaries had acted on the orders of Myanmar-based SS Khaplang and self-styled Lt Gen Niki Sumi.

Myanmar was urged at the joint consultative commission meeting to act against Khaplang and others for engineering the abductions.

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