NSCN-IM accuses govt. of violating ceasefire treaty

Dimapur, Jan 17 (ANI): The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), a banned militant group active in Nagaland, has accused the Indian Government of violating a ceasefire agreement.

V S Atem, the convenor of the militant outfit's steering committee, made the statement on Tuesday at a press conference held in the state's Dimapur District.

"If the recent letter sent from the CFMG (Cease Fire Monitoring Groups) office has been written to us with the full sanction of the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs), then the Government of India has violated the spirit of ceasefire," said Atem.

The NSCN-IM agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process to bring an end to the country's longest-running insurgency, which has killed about 20,000 people since 1947.

The NSCN-IM has been demanding the creation of a separate state called 'Greater Nagaland', made up of Naga-dominated areas in the northeastern states.

However, the Indian Government has continually rejected this demand, saying that other ethnic groups living in the adjacent states are not prepared to split any territories.

Atem continued his attack on the government, saying it has acted in a contradictory manner.

"The government of India is found to be still a victim of contradiction and insincerity. Government of India is still yet to shed off the traits of treachery," he added.

Atem also commented on the recent controversy of NSCN (IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Th Muivah being denied entry into the Zunheboto District by Union Ministry personnel on Saturday.

Irked by the alleged interference of the central government, Atem dubbed the move as undemocratic.

"Without any reason, they have also imposed upon us that the vehicle going along with our collective leadership should not exceed 20. This does not justify any kind of human reasoning. They have also written to us, that our collective leadership should not hold any public meeting. This clearly shows that the government of India is against democracy," said Atem.

Nagaland is a predominantly Christian state of two million people on India's far eastern border with Myanmar.

The NSCN, which split into two factions in the late 1980s, has been fighting for the freedom of millions of Naga tribes living in northeast India and neighbouring Myanmar since 1947.

Security analysts say peace with the Nagas is crucial to a broader peace in the northeast. (ANI)