Himalayan Affairs

"I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody."- Lily Tomlin

Username or email	Password
Security Charecter		Sign Up	Forgot your password?

Welcome Guest User | | Sign Up | Login |

Ceasefire On Thin Edge, Peace Under Threat

Author : Robert Lanky | .

Posted on : Thursday, December 31, 2009

The underground outfits in the North East have misused ceasefire offers to bring them to the negotiation table. That raises quite a few debatable issues about the Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGR).

In the year 2009 alone, two major incidents took place wherein the ceasefire was on a thin edge and peace in both the States of Manipur and Nagaland was threatened. While the situation in Manipur was precarious, the unfortunate incident of Sakok worsened the situation and literally worked as an extra ‘fuel to fire’. The warring parties as usual, were blaming each other’s actions.

The official stated position of the Assam Rifles as published in local dailies is that ‘they had intelligence reports and radio intercepts about movements of armed militants of UNLF/ and PLA alongwith NSCN (IM) cadres in the area and their patrolling party was fired upon. In retaliation, 3-4 cadres of NSCN (IM) have been killed’.

On the other hand, NSCN (IM) have termed the killing as brutal and a blatant violation of ceasefire. They have also raised the question whether the Government of India is working towards abrogating the ceasefire and heading for war through the actions of the Assam Rifles?

One aspect, I am to understand is that the movement of cadres in uniform with arms in populated areas was not to be negotiated under the Rules. But frequent moves of armed cadres and even detention of underground (UG) leaders have been reported in the media and are not uncommon any more. I recollect an incident which happened a few years ago, in which Naga UG leaders were apprehended with 10-11 weapons in Manipur on Imphal-Tamenglong Road. Due to intervention of the Centre, the cadres were to be released but their weapons were to be handed over to CFMG at Mao Gate. But the aftermath of the incident remains a mystery and still clouds our minds on the exact nature and spirit of the CF Agreement.

A similar situation had occurred during Feb this year at Shirui, where approximately 30-40 NSCN (IM) cardres were holed up in a State tourist lodge and security forces had laid a siege for almost 20 days. Reason: the NSCN (IM) was trying to establish a new camp at Shirui. The events that unfolded post incident are vivid but intriguing. Did the NSCN (IM) violate the ground rules in both the incidents?

On both the occasions, retired General Mandhata Singh, the CFMG Chairman refused to intervene on the grounds that he had no jurisdiction over Manipur. Mr Chidambaram too, during his visit to Manipur and Nagaland publicly re-iterated that the ceasefire agreement between NSCN (IM) and Government of India related to the State of Nagaland only. Why then NSCN (IM) continued to raise the issue of ‘No territorial limits’?

Seemingly, none of the civil societies/ NGOs are aware of the correct interpretation of the ground rules and so were the majority of the population in Nagaland and Manipur and they continue to protest against the actions by the Assam Rifles as a ceasefire and human rights violation. This is the irony of the issue!! Fortunately, there was no bloodshed at Shirui, but the mystery of CFGR remained an enigma and continues to be so. Also what remains in shrouded mystery is also ‘who’, ‘how’ and ‘where’ the NSCN (IM) cadres at Shirui were moved?

The latest incident involving movement of NSCN (IM) cadres with suspected ultras of PLA and UNLF and ensued gun fight with Assam Rifles had once again created a situation where common people of the State have become the victims of the crisis. The NSCN (IM) described the happenings in Ukhrul as being “allegedly infested with ‘sectarian groups of mercenaries’ and ‘syndicates of gangsters’ created and groomed by ‘Valley based militants of Manipur’ who have stabbed the enemy from the back”. On 17th Aug, allegedly at the insistence of NSCN (IM), torch rally protest was staged by people and a 48 hour State wide bandh was called. Is it that the people are not aware of the precise ground rules and clueless as l am today? Interestingly as in the past, the locals either under coercion or otherwise have demanded:-

* The GoI to declare immediately that ceasefire is applicable in Naga inhabited areas outside the Nagaland.
* Assam Rifles be immediately removed from Ukhrul district.
* Befitting disciplinary action and punishment for Assam Rifles personnel.

If Shirui and Sakok incidents are taken as the benchmark, Govt of India needs to make the ground rules public without any ambiguity. Solution for any crisis can be found. Civil societies and NGOs need to suggest measures to ensure peace and tranquility. Mutuality in keeping of trust by all and sundry is important.

The civil society needs to impress on UG leadership to recast their path of seeking ‘peace’ and to ‘what type of peace’ they intend to seek? We should not let these incidents at Shirui and Sakok abrogate our hard earned peace after lots of sacrifices. Blame cannot be put on one particular side.

To quote Dr Martin Luther King Jr, “If there is one thing I have learned from my studies in social work, it is ‘injustice anywhere’ is a ‘threat to justice everywhere”. One crisis follows another, and even where there is some kind of peace, it is a troubled peace with fear of war and preparation of war.

Presently, we all are entangled in the mesh of history and cannot escape the consequences of evil past. This crisis is very painful to swallow. However solution for any crisis can be found. Warring parties have to be sincere in their effort for a peaceful solution to this vexed problem and understanding of cease-fire ground rules. It is for the Government of India to clarify the conflicting ground rules being interpreted by the Chairman CFMG, the Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) in larger public interest.

View all Comments | | People liked it ( 0 ) : People dont liked it ( 0 ) : Article Viewed ( 157 )

Q1. Best tourist place in india

Answers options :

A. Himachal
B. J & K
C. Kerla