Army offers 15-day truce

IMPHAL, February 26: In an unprecedented move, the Army has announced that it would observe a 15-day unilateral Yaosang Peace Period from March 1 onwards with respect to all underground groups operating in Manipur. In a repeat of the Bihu 'safe passage' experiment in Assam, the general officer commanding, 57th Mountain Division, Mj. Gen. Iqbal Singh announced at a press conference held at the Kangla fort that the Army and the Assam Rifles would cease all counterinsurgency operations against the underground groups of Manipur during the period from March 1 to 15. Asserting that neither the Army nor the Assam Rifles would take any action against underground cadres who return home for Yaoshang during the period, he appealed to the 'misguided youths' to enjoy Yaoshang with their kith and kin without any fear. He however added that no underground member would be allowed to carry arms and ammunition or explosives. He also made it clear that the Army and the Assam Rifles also reserved the right to retaliate if attacked. Mj Gen. Igbal Singh also expressed his desire that the state police and other para military forces should also consider suspending operations during the Yaoshang Peace Period. Mj. Gen. Igbal Singh, while asserting that the main effort with respect to the 'misguided youths' is to try and bring them back to the national mainstream, appealed to all the people of Manipur as well as NGOs to extend their cooperation in the efforts of the Army authorities to restor6 peace and normalcy in Manipur. He also made a strong appeal to the public to resist extortion by the underground groups. Answering questions from the gathered mediapersons, he said that strict instructions have been to avoid any suffering to innocent people. Asked whether he believed the UG groups would respond to the Army's Peace Period announcement, the GOC stated that he had no idea if they would respond or not, adding that the announcement has been made with goodwill towards the people. He clarified that the Peace Period was not part of the Central government's policy, stating that he had made the decision in the interest of the people. Replying to a question regarding human rights violations by troops, Mj. Gen. Igbal Singh said 'human rights' should not be selectively applied, and it had to be across the board. He also pointed out that killing of innocents by UGs also amounted to human rights violations. He also clarified that the Army and AR would continue normal administrative work and other normal duties during the Yaoshang Peace Period, except for counterinsurgency duties. In addition, the GOC gave a brief outline of the civic action efforts of the Army, stating that the Army is spending approximately Rs. 84 lakhs on construction of vocational training centres, static computer centres, community halls, market sheds, development of handloom, provision of medical equipment including Xray machine for district hospital, as well as water supply schemes. He also mentioned the medical camps being held by the Army, the Army sponsored excursions of school students, and the Army's training of the state equestrian team for the forthcoming National Games.