Chidambaram reviews security scenario
“One can hope for a better [situation]”
Kohima: Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Tuesday said violation of the agreed ceasefire by Naga underground groups would not be tolerated and asked the Nagaland government and security agencies to strictly enforce the truce terms to create a congenial atmosphere.
“Violation of the agreed ceasefire by Naga underground groups will not be tolerated. The State government and security agencies have been asked to strictly enforce the ceasefire to create a congenial atmosphere,” he told reporters here on his maiden visit to Nagaland and Manipur.
Mr. Chidambaram reviewed the security scenario at a meeting attended by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Home Minister Imkong Imchen, other Ministers, senior police and paramilitary officials at the Chumukedima police complex near Dimapur.
Asked whether he was satisfied with the law and order in the State, he said, “One cannot be satisfied with the situation in Nagaland, but one can hope for a better [situation].”
Nagaland Governor K. Sankaranarayanan also met Mr. Chidambaram, who arrived at Dimapur from Imphal after reviewing the security scenario in Manipur, official sources said.
In Imphal, Mr. Chidambaram met Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and was briefed on the situation by security officials including DGP Y. Joy Kumar. The meeting also discussed the situation arising out of attempts by NSCN-IM to set up a designated camp at Siroy in Ukhrul district, which was foiled by Assam Rifles personnel, they said.
The NSCN-IM entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 1997, which was in force in Nagaland only and not in Manipur. The ceasefire with both groups of the NSCN has been in force in Nagaland with security forces and underground groups charging each other of violating the ground rules of the truce.
Mr. Chidambaram recently asserted that the Naga peace talks would continue but the ground rules of ceasefire with underground groups must be enforced strictly to maintain a congenial atmosphere in the State.
Last week, Mr. Chidambaram reportedly briefed Centre’s interlocutor for Naga talks K. Padmanabhaiah to carry forward the peace talks with the NSCN-IM.
The peace dialogue virtually reached a stalemate after last year’s talks to declare extension of the ceasefire indefinitely, with both sides expressing commitment to carry forward the negotiations to end the protracted Naga political conflict.