Kohima, Jan. 11: Even as the NSCN (I-M) and the Centre are trying to hammer out a lasting solution to the Naga problem, there is simmering tension in the state following intelligence reports about a possible spurt in the turf war between the two factions of the NSCN. Describing the situation in Nagaland as “tense,” the security forces have stepped up vigil in the state. Frisking and patrolling by Assam Rifles jawans in the sensitive areas have been increased.
“We are taking all measures to avert any untoward incident,” a senior Assam Rifles official here told The Telegraph.
“The situation in the state is different from the bonhomie in New Delhi,” said the official. Army vehicles are patrolling the streets of Kohima and the Dimapur-Kohima stretch of National Highway 39 and jawans are guarding sensitive areas.
Police and army officials have held a few meetings with the NSCN (I-M) leaders in Nagaland in the past few days to take stock of the situation.
“In the meetings, army and police officials tried to gauge the threat perception of the NSCN (I-M),” a police source here said.
The NSCN (I-M) has alerted its civil and armed wings, alleging that the rival Khaplang faction was trying to foment trouble in the state to “sabotage” the ongoing peace talks between the Centre and the outfit in New Delhi.
A senior member of the outfit’s ceasefire monitoring cell in Dimapur, Bohoto Kiba, told The Telegraph that the rival NSCN (K) cadre have sneaked into Dimapur, an NSCN (I-M) stronghold, to derail the peace process. He also alleged that the rival group could make assassination attempts on its leaders who have stayed back in Nagaland.
“They (NSCN-K) are trying to create trouble,” Kiba said, disclosing that “we have alerted our boys.”
Most of the NSCN (I-M) top brass are now camping in New Delhi where its “collective leaders” are engaged in “crucial talks” with the Centre.
The outfit’s “commander-in-chief” Hangshi and former “commander-in-chief” V.S. Atem are manning the “home front.” Its deputy kilo kilonser (home minister) V. Horam has also stayed back in Nagaland to “tackle any unexpected development.”