From our Correspondent

DIMAPUR, July 17: The monthly ceasefire review meeting between the NSCN (I-M) and Government of India (GoI) representatives headed by ceasefire monitoring (CFMG) chairman, Maj Gen (Retd) N George, deliberated on three issues – NSCN (I-M) azha (order) on Changki villagers, taxation  (extortion) and recent assault of two students by NSCN (I-M) cadres.

Talking to media persons after the meeting held at Chumukedima police complex on Monday, the CFMG chairman said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere where both sides raised issues relating to ceasefire ground rules and recent incidents.

On the Changki issue, George said he told the NSCN (I-M) representatives that use of force or threat was not the solution. The NSCN (I-M) which has been acting as mediator in the internal conflict of Changki village has drawn flake for issuing azha to a number of Changki villagers. George said in today’s meeting Nagaland Commissioner, Banuo Z Jamir, also requested the NSCN (I-M) to revoke the azha and suggested forming of a 3-member committee comprising of eminent Naga personalities to resolve the issue, which has been dragging for almost six years.

The CFMG chairman also handed copies of the azha issued by the NSCN (I-M) to Changki villagers to convey the seriousness of the matter.

On the recent incident where two students were assaulted by NSCN (I-M) cadres for their alleged involvement in a theft case, the CFMG likewise told the CFMG members of the NSCN (I-M) that though the NSCN (I-M) may act as mediator, but that the latter should not resort to use of force to extract information or confessions.

According to George, the NSCN (I-M) side reportedly expressed regret over the assault of the two students.

On the rampant issue of extortion (taxation) by underground groups, George impressed upon the NSCN (I-M) that such forceful collection was not in the interest of peace or the ongoing peace talks.

Citing instances of the NSCN (I-M)’s recent tax drive including demands issued to pineapple farmers, BSNL office at Jalukie and another demand by the NSCN (I-M) to villages under Peren district for raising of a battalion, George told the NSCN (I-M) representatives that such actions were detrimental to the peace process and would not bring any solution.

Apart from N George and Banuo Jamir, CFMG members from the government side who attended the meeting included ADG (OPS), L Thechamo Lotha, Brigadier RPS Mann IGAR (N), Col GS IGAR (N), Col Manohar Sharma, DIFP, CRPF, Ashok Kumar Kanaujai, SO DIG, CRDF, AN Pandey, DIG (Retd) SO CFMG member, G Rengma and DSP (Retd) assistant to chairman CFMG, Shokum Yimchunger.

The NSCN (I-M) was represented by CFMG convenor, Vikeye Sumi, K Mero, Among Lim, G Tokishe Swu and Y Kiyezhu Sumi.