Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) while condemning the unprovoked firing by 28 Assam Rifles at Okotso village on October 23, which resulted in the killing of one member of GPRN/NSCN and injury to another, has appealed GPRN/NSCN to exercise maximum restraint.
NTC media cell said that such kind of incidents could have been averted when both the parties respect the laid down rules.
Since, it came to know from local sources that the incident took place 40 km away from 28 AR camp, NTC wondered what could have provoked AR to resort to violence.
NTC said that the security forces by resorting to violence once again reminded the public of the past hostility thereby threatening the fragile peace in the state.
Since, used of violence was tantamount to disrespect of the general sentiment of the public, NTC wanted both the parties to take up any violation of Ceasefire ground rules with the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell so that such kind of “dreadful incident” could be avoided.
Further, NTC asked the Government of India to avoid using “carrot and stick policy of peace process and indiscriminate hunt on the groups engaged in ceasefire”. It urged the State government to investigate on the incident and book those responsible, so that such recurrence could be prevented.
GPRN/NSCN condemns
GPRN/NSCN while condemning the October 23 firing incident in the jungles of Okotso village, said it was a clear case of violation of cease-fire ground rules perpetuated by 28th Assam Rifles
GPRN/NSCN supervisor for cease-fire supervisory board, Jack Jimomi through its MIP said “the situation on the ground at that very moment was quite normal, without a slightest thought of provocation”. Since the process of the designated camp was at its final stage, Jimomi said both sides knew of the presence of each other from the very beginning.
While stating that the security forces literally deviated itself from the agreed rules of engagement, Jimomi said the unilateral action has also clearly exposed the real intent of the “Indian security forces deployed in cease-fire declared zone” since
He urged upon both Indian security forces and Naga Army to remain committed to the collective wisdom, animated from the political leadership of the GoI and NSCN and to adhere to the laid down ground rules.
Jimomi reminded that under the established norms, no one was empowered to take one’s precious soul on whimsical pretext. “Ground rules clearly states, under Clause-IV that, ‘there would be no offensive like ambush, raid and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property against the NSCN by the Indian Army, Para-military forces and the Police”.
Pointing out that the Okotso firing incident was evidently backed by its fatal human casualties and collateral damages against NSCN, Jimomi said the ground rules was “grossly utilised by a section of 28 AR”.
Meanwhile, CFSB/NSCN said it deeply mourned the untimely demise of ‘lieut.’ Imti Ao of Chungtia village and extended deepest condolence to the bereaved family members.