Army operation in Tirap and Changlang districts opposed
Source: The Sangai Express / Press Trust of India
Imphal, October 21 2011:
The ministers and legislators of troubled Tirap and Changlang districts in the state have opposed the proposed move of the Union Home Ministry to launch a full-scale Army operation against the NSCN outfits operating in the area.
Citing news reports of both the districts, Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Honchun Ngandam, along with legislators Wangki Lowang, Phosum Khimhun and Thangwang Wangham have written a letter to Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin.
In the letter, a copy of which was made available to the media today, the legislators urged Gamlin and all Cabinet ministers to stall such a move saying that Army operations would bring hardship to the common people.
The legislators expressed disapproval of the alleged plan, saying "past experience had proved the futility of such exercise".
The Centre recently extended the 'disturbed areas' notification under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, for Tirap and Changlang for another six months.
These districts have reported killing, kidnapping, extortion and factional clashes between NSCN (K)and NSCN (I-M) groups.
The NSCN (K) has been active in Changlang region for a long time and has steadily increased its power.
The NSCN (I-M) has been a "competitor" for the Khaplang group here.
It includes these two districts in its map of "Nagalim", an integrated "Naga homeland" .