NEW DELHI, Feb 5— In a reversal of role, the NSCN(I-M) has cried foul alleging violation of the ground rules of the ceasefire, reiterating their demand for involvement of independent observers in the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG). The Naga underground outfit’s latest outcry is over several incidents of alleged violation of ceasefire by the security forces in the North-East including States like Arunachal Pradesh, where ceasefire agreement is not in force.
In a statement issued from Amsterdam by Naga International Support (NISC), it said they have come to know that a fast growing number of ceasefire violations has taken place. And, so far nothing has been done to strengthen the CFMG with the participation of independent observers. If the ceasefire is to be made meaningful and not made into mockery it is a matter of necessity to investigate violations reportedly committed by both sides, NISC said. The organisation has further pointed out that in order to keep a tab on both the parties the CFMG needed to have its own jurisdiction to probe and to make its reports public. To ensure in partiality, NISC strongly recommends inclusion of a third party in the CFMG, it said. It may be recalled here that the appointment of independent observers to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire was among the suggestions that emerged out of the Naga reconciliation meeting held in Bangkok last year.
However, despite the hue-and-cry made by the Naga outfits, the Centre is unlikely to attach much importance, partly because the NSCN(I-M) itself has been reported to blatantly violate the ceasefire ground rules by indulging in extortions, collection of illegal taxes besides other illegal activities. What has however become a cause for concern at the centre is the resurgence of factional fights between NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K). Sources said though it has managed to prevail on both sides to seize hostilities, they fear that the current break could be a the lull before more fights break out.