Assam Rifles rebuts NSCN (K) allegations

In a rebuttal to NSCN (K) allegations that 6 Assam Rifles, stationed at Mon district, was creating “unwanted situation” and stealing public properties and its belongings, Assam Rifles Monday clarified that on June 13, an operation was conducted based on specific intelligence about the presence of armed NSCN (K) cadres hiding in a specific house in Chenmoho village.

Affirming presence of armed cadres outside designated camps was in violation to cease fire ground rules (CFGR), PRO IGAR (North), in a release, said search was conducted in target house with a village guard and the chief of the village, which resulted in the apprehension of two NSCN (K) cadres along with arms, ammunition and explosives –a clear violation of the CFGR.

Maintaining a “No Claim Certificate” was obtained from the village chief and village guard, Assam Rifles said the search also resulted in recovery of a huge quantity of rice approximately 30 quintals, which was verified by the village guard and village chief and a certificate to this effect was obtained from them.

PRO of IGAR (N) also disclosed that two letters dated January 19, 2012 and April 18, 2012 signed by “Brigadier” Shahtem, quarter master, GHQ, NSCN (K) and addressed to the store keeper – Chen block, Chen area village/town council, GB Chen town, VCC Chochzu and Chenwetnya, demanding the below poverty line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) rice of February and May 2012 for NSCN (K).

Meanwhile, PRO said Assam Rifles was provided with adequate rations by the government and did not have to resort to looting as the NSCN (K) did.

PRO said rations were instead provided from its authorisation to the needy when requested.
PRO termed “laughable” NSCN (K) allegation of ransacking of public property, long pants and ladies mekhalas, and said village chief and village guard were present, which the NSCN (K) appeared to be unaware of.

Further, PRO highlighted that 20% of Assam Rifles troops were from North East –
Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram and any wrong doing by Assam Rifles would lead to discontentment and resentment amongst them.

PRO described NSCN (K) statement as “a fabricated lie to hide its own crime of looting rations meant for the poorest of the poor and successful operations launched by the Assam Rifles.”

Assam Rifles said it stood by its commitment as ‘Friends of The Hill People’ and ‘Peacemakers’ to ensure “a weapon and extortion free society and peaceful environment in Nagaland.”