Apprehending disruption of peace in the area, Zeme Students’ Union (ZSU-N) has urged NSCN (I-M) to recall its armed cadres from New Ngaulong village and follow the ceasefire ground rules.
A statement issued by its president Aakam Pame expressed fears that if any clashes occurred between security forces and NSCN (I-M) cadres in the area, it would spoil the atmosphere of peace between Naga people and Government of India. ZSU (N) alleged that the presence of uniformed cadres with sophisticated arms, especially near the Nagaland-Assam border, had created a fear psychosis among the people. It added that the daily bazaar that farmers from surrounding villages and neighbouring border villages were using was also badly affected due to presence of the armed cadres.
According the union, an Assam Rifles (AR) team from Jalukie, during a routine patrol on December 19, discovered a temporary camp of NSCN (IM) cadres numbering 17/18. They were all armed with sophisticated weapons and living on the outskirts of the village for 18/19 days
After searching the jungle and recovering the materials used by them, the AR team called village GBs and youth leaders to the site for inspection.
As the GBs and youth leaders urged the security forces to return the materials as these were allegedly collected from them by the NSCN (I-M) cadres, the forces returned the seized beddings, kitchen utensils and rations to them, the union added.
Meanwhile, ZSU (N)) has asked all individuals and groups not to disturb developmental activities undertaken by the government in the area as the people had been aspiring and longing for development for many decades. It appealed to everyone to show maturity in extending cooperation to the development process and strive for peace.