NSCN-IM continuously violating cease fire ground rules: Army
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 12 2019: The 59 Mountain Brigade of the Red Shield Division has categorically stated that NSCN-IM has been continuously violating cease fire ground rules in the State of Manipur.

Briefing media persons about Operation Kekru Naga at the camp of 5th J&K Rifles located within Imphal International Airport premises, Commander of 59 Mountain Brigade Brig Ravroop Singh said that NSCN-IM's attempts to set up new camps, fresh recruitments, extortion and tax collection specifically along NH-2 and NH-37 impacting infrastructure projects like railway lines, road construction etc are all indicative of their effort to undermine the peace process.

NSCN-IM continuously violating cease fire ground rules: Army

This approach of the NSCN (IM) is clearly indicative of their insincerity in implementation of cease fire ground rules.

The security forces are aware of these tactics and would continue to carry out relentless operations to provide security to the local population, said the Brigadier.

Talking about the recent Operation Kekru Naga, Brig Ravroop Singh said that regular intelligence inputs were being received over a prolonged period of time, regarding presence of some insurgents belonging to NSCN-IM in the remote jungle areas astride NH-37 in Noney and Tamenglong districts.

The civilians of Nungba sub-division, Todaijang, Kekru Naga, Muktina and Mukti Khullen had reported regular presence of some armed cadres belonging to NSCN- IM who were carrying out extortion and harassing the villagers.

"Their activities in these areas were confirmed by our ground sources as also by intelligence agencies.

It emerged that these cadres were ruthlessly carrying out extensive illegal extortion from villagers, local businessmen, vehicles plying along the NH-37 and various contractors engaged in infrastructure projects of Railways, NHIDCL etc", Brig Ravroop said.

Once confirmed inputs were received regarding presence of 8 to 10 armed cadres of NSCN-IM in Kekru Naga, a small village of about 90 houses, approximately eight Kilometres south of Nungba town, the army launched a well synergized operation in the night of July 5 and extensive search of the area was carried out from July 6 morning onwards.

Sensing the multiple columns of security forces, the armed cadres fled the area after hiding their weapons and warlike stores at multiple locations in the periphery of the village, nearby jungle and the jhum huts.

One armed cadre of NSCN (IM) was apprehended during the operations while he was trying to merge with the local population.

He has been identified as SS Private Thailik Panmei.

Four rifles, two grenade launchers and large quantities of ammunition and other warlike stores were recovered in the course of the operation.

The recovery also included incriminating documents, diaries and other administrative stores of NSCN-IM.

This operation and the recovery of huge arms, ammunition and warlike stores has yet again exposed the duplicity of NSCN-IM, he asserted.

Although the proscribed group is in cease fire with the Govt of India, it continues with such illegal activities, he added.

Meanwhile, army commander Lieutenant General MM Naravane has complimented all the troops of Spear Corps for executing such a surgical and professional operation.

Notably, Thailik Panmei escaped from the custody of Imphal police station on July 10 .