DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 2 (MExN): Assam Rifles officials today expressed concern over the tension prevailing in Zunheboto blaming it on the unauthorized concentration of factions. In this regard, a press communiqué issued by the PI Cell HQ IGAR (North) informed that a combined patrol party of 27 Assam Rifles and police arrested eight cadres of the NSCN (K) along with two AK rifles, one SLR and one .303 rifle from the house of “Maj” Shikaho Sumi, resident of Project Colony Zunheboto. It is also reported that NSCN (K) is trying to use a house in Project Colony at CFSB office without approval. The security forces are undertaking intensive patrolling in the area to prevent any unauthorized concentration in the town, the communiqué informed.
The Assam Rifles again reiterated that the “unauthorized” presence of NSCN (IM) cadres at Sakhalu remains a cause for concern. “Sakhalu is not a designated camp and the presence of NSCN (IM) cadres is vitiating peace in the area”, the press communiqué stated adding that the chairman of CFMG has appealed to the NSCN (IM) to leave Sakhalu for maintaining peace in the area. Likewise, a meeting was also held under Commander 7 Sector on October 1 at Zunheboto, it informed.
The said meeting included representatives of Assam Rifles, civil administration, Police, NGOs and tribal bodies. It was highlighted that both factions be instructed to leave from occupied unauthorized areas and move to their designated camps. It was also decided that NGOs and tribal leaders will request and persuade the NSCN (IM) to vacate Sakhalu as it is not a designated camp and the presence was causing avoidable tension and threat to peace in the area.
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