CFs trained KNA (B) in bomb making: NSCN
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 23 2024:
National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), a Naga rebel group which is holding peace talks with the government of India for the last 27 years, has issued a strong statement accusing Central security forces of using Myanmar militants to wage a proxy war against it in Manipur.
The statement, published in Ukhrul Times and NE (North East) Now News on Thursday, claimed that the Central forces are collaborating with Kuki National Army (KNA-B) and Chin People's Defence Force (PDF) to fuel the ongoing conflict in the region.
According to NSCN, Central security forces supplied combat materials and GI pipes for bomb-making to KNA (B) and Chin PDF.
The Naga rebel group alleged that a bomb-making factory in Phaiyang village, run by KNA (B), received training and operational support from Indian forces, including on usage of drones.
The factory is guarded by Central security personnel round the clock, it maintained.
NSCN also clarified that it has maintained a neutral stance in the Meetei-Kuki-Zo ethnic conflict, focusing instead on political settlement through ongoing negotiations with the Government of India.
However, National Investigation Agency (NIA) accused NSCN of supporting Meetei revolutionary groups against Kuki militants, which is misleading and malicious, NSCN maintained.
The statement also alleged Assam Rifles (AR) and the para-regiment of colluding with Kuki militant groups, and creating a war-like scenario in the border areas of India and Myanmar.
As usual, KNA/KNA (B) is in denial mode, trying to show a different picture, far from having any link with the ubiquitous AR and para-troopers, continued the NSCN while claiming that KNA (B) militants are given unrestrained access to border crossing points while others are restricted, exacerbating the situation.
While noting Union home minister Amit Shah's remarks about illegal immigrants from Myanmar abetting instability in Manipur and initiation of measures such as scrapping Free Movement Regime (FMR) and border fencing to control the situation, NSCN contended that Central security forces are instead facilitating movement of Kuki militants, undermining these efforts.
Villagers have seen truckloads of Kuki militants being dropped at the border by AR.
There is a strong nexus between the Central security forces, KNA (B), and PDF, with all the scheming materials provided by the Central security forces, NSCN claimed.
NSCN further claimed that Central security forces have supplied combat materials and GI pipes to KNA (B) and e Chin PDF for use in a bomb-making factory located in Phaiyang village.
Furthermore, the Central forces are accused of training KNA (B) members in bomb-making and drone operation techniques.
This factory is allegedly guarded by Central security personnel around the clock.
The NSCN termed such clandestine operation as highly despicable and offensive, along with asserting that photos of the KNA (B) bomb-making factory are available for public scrutiny.
NSCN also highlighted the presence of over 5000 Kuki refugees from Myanmar in Naga villages, noting that their activities have become a burden on local resources and security.
It alleged that Central security forces supported hostile actions against the Naga Army, including recent drone attacks on their camps in Myanmar.
The Naga rebel group further alleged that these refugee camps have become notorious for engaging in criminal activities and undermining local security.
The refugees, in collusion with the Assam Rifles (AR), freely cross the border between India and Myanmar for nefarious purposes.
According to NSCN, individuals within the intelligence agency are part of a clandestine criminal network.
The refugees forage for wild plants, creating tough competition for resources with the locals and exceeding the "tolerance limit." Consequently, villagers along the border feel unsafe engaging in activities such as hunting or fishing due to the infiltration of anti-social elements disguised as refugees.
NSCN also alleged that the combined forces of KNA (B) and Chin PDF, with logistical support from Central security forces, have adopted a hostile stance against NSCN by deliberately targeting Naga Army camps in Naga areas of Myanmar.
They reported that on May 11, KNA (B)/PDF forces captured 2nd Lieutenant Hante Ao of the Naga Army, who was subsequently tortured and killed on May 13.Another Naga Army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Yaoreichan, stationed at Choro village in Kamjong district, was also captured and killed by KNA (B) .
NSCN described these incidents as deplorable and warned KNA (B) against taking sadistic pleasure in killing Naga Army members.
They also criticised National Investigation Agency (NIA) for exacerbating the volatile situation by blaming NSCN for the unrest in Manipur and further accused the NIA of using Kuki militants to settle scores with NSCN, thereby intensifying the conflict on the Indo-Myanmar border.
According to NSCN, Central security forces have been using drones to bomb Naga Army camps in Myanmar for more than three weeks, an act they described as aggressive and unjustified.
The statement concluded by warning that NSCN will hold the Government of India responsible for any escalation of violence and declaring that it shall reserve the right to respond to Indian aggression as deemed necessary.
NSCN views the actions of Indian security forces as a form of state terrorism and an unnecessary provocation amidst ongoing political talks, added the statement.
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