Dimapur, Jan. 20: With the spectre of violence looming over the Assembly polls in Nagaland, the Centre?s top man for ensuring proper implementation of the Naga ceasefire, Lt. Gen. (retd) R.V. Kulkarni, today called for restraint from all warring groups. Gen. Kulkarni is the chairman of the ceasefire bodies for both NSCN factions.
Stating that he was very much aware of the possibility of trouble during the polls in Nagaland, Gen. Kulkarni explained that ?to ensure that there are no smoking guns in the coming days?, he will soon hold meetings with the two dominant armed organisations, the NSCN (I-M) and the NSCN (K).
The comments assume significance in the wake of Nagaland chief minister S.C Jamir?s apprehension that NSCN (I-M) cadre will openly interfere in the election process since the ban on it has lapsed. The two NSCN (I-M) leaders, Th. Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu, have announced that the outfit will not boycott the polls. However, Gen. Kulkarni urged all sections of the people, including politicians and underground leaders, not to vitiate the atmosphere through provocation.
?I hope that much greater responsibility will be demonstrated by all and they will keep a tight leash on any impulsive reaction,? he told The Telegraph.
Hailing the wide-ranging interactions with various political parties by the NSCN (I-M) leadership in New Delhi, he pointed out that ?interactions with various political parties by the NSCN leaders are a good thing because the problem cannot be resolved by any single party and needs a wider perspective?.
Asked about the situation in the state, he said, ?There has been considerable improvement and I hope the stray incidents of fractional clashes would remain stray and not degenerate into a pattern.?
He added, ?I have made it a point to hold monthly or bi-monthly meetings with both the NSCN factions so that ground-level problems are communicated and sorted out.?
?At this point of time, most of the NSCN (I-M) leaders are in Delhi but I shall hold another round of meetings as soon as they come back,?
Gen. Kulkarni also hoped he would find a way to tackle extortion.