Gunfights among peace deal signatories
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: December 03, 2024 -

THE armed Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has issued clarification on the recent gunfights with the NSCN-IM in Sangji village area, made its position clear that location of the clash falls within its operational 'jurisdiction' and accused the latter of creating problems for the locals.

While it's certain that the NSCN-IM wouldn't subscribe to the ZUF's assertion that the shootout at the hitherto non-descript village was due to intrusion into its area as the former has been advocating for single administration of all Naga inhabited areas in India's northeast region and in neighbouring Myanmar.

As such, the NSCN-IM leaderships would naturally be inclined to encourage their cadres to pull the trigger in case of encountering adversary elements anywhere in its turf.

Nevertheless, it is the innocent civilians who would suffer the most in case gunfights recur in the already tense Sangji village and adjoining areas.

Recounting circumstances leading to the clash, which fortunately has caused no casualties among the non-combatant commoners, the ZUF contended that intrusion by NSCN-IM elements into the village and nearby areas caused significant public fear and insecurity.

According to a statement, cadres of ZUF's armed wing - Zeliangrong Tiger Force (ZTF), were conducting routine patrolling in the area when the NSCN-IM resorted to acts of provocation, including gunfire in public places.

It also claimed that NSCN-IM cadres challenged and confronted the ZTF, compelling the Force members to launch counter-attacks, consequently creating sense of fear and insecurity among the local populace, which could have been averted had the NSCN-IM not resorted to strong-arm tactics.

Further alleging that the NSCN-IM ventured far from their camps into areas near ZUF camps, provoking the conflict, it warned of intensified defensive measures against the intruding elements of NSCN-IM till withdrawal of their 'provocative evil designs'.

Disturbingly, the Front expressing suspicion about some locals acting as agents for the adversary, and warning of severe consequences without a second chance, portends Complication of the situation and potential bloodshed.

For the public, occurrence of bloody clashes would be the last wish, especially with onset of the festive season.

Moreover, the civilian population would definitely be cursing both sides for engaging in gunfights as they both had signed peace deals/agreements with the government of India to pave the way for a negotiated settlement to outstanding issues and demand.

After years of battling Indian forces, which led to casualties on both sides as well as among the civilians after being caught in crossfire or succumbing to third-degree interrogation by security agents to extract information on rebel outfits, NSCN-IM ceased hostilities with government forces decades back with the ZUF following suit recently.

Such peaceful gestures had raised hope among the general population that there would be no more insurgency-related deaths.

Thus, spells of gunfights in Sangji village area would naturally demoralise the public for resorting to violence to settle scores; in sharp contrast to pledging peace and harmony by signing accords with the government, is bound the shatter the people's yearning for a tranquil environment to celebrate the ensuing Christmas, which is also the time for foregoing evil deeds and seeking the Almighty's blessing for a prosperous life.