CFMG chairman responds to NSCN(I-M)

Chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) Lt. Gen. (retd) N.K.Singh has expressed dismay by press statement of the MIP/NSCN (I-M) published on January 24 and termed it “unfortunate” for being “labelled as one-sided” because, as chairman CFMG, it was his duty to take note of and point out any violation of the Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGR)that was agreed to by both sides.
In a statement, the chairman CFMG said “with NSCN (I-M) blatantly violating several CFGRs” he,as chairman, has to highlight them and “take necessary action to raise these issues”.
Singh said it was obvious, that NSCN (I-M) or any other group, did not like “its violations to be pointed” and that the same was true of the Assam Rifles.
Responding to the “aspersions” cast on his loyalty to his assigned role, as alleged by NSCN (I-M), Singh maintained he was doing his mandated job as expected in pointing out “faults/violations, even in the face of any side’s resentment”.
Further, on allegations that he was meddling in other subjects, Singh clarified that all issues raised by CFMG “are directly linked to CFGRs”. He cited Clause(e) of the CFGRs, by which NSCN (I-M) agreed not to act in any manner that would cause harassment or injury to the civilian population. Under Clause (i) he said NSCN (I-M) agreed to prevent intimidation of individuals, kidnapping, abduction, illegal detention, extorting ransom including threatening summons, diktats etc all of which fall under the purview of harassment and intimidation which “are very much under the CFGRs”.
On the issue of “illegal taxation and extortion”, Singh pointed out that these violate Clause(i) of the CFGRs with NSCN (I-M) wherein the group agreed that activities like forcible collection of money would be prevented. He said such activities that violated CFGRs “cannot be overlooked”.
Further, the CFMG chairman said the particular clause, “ is the most highly violated” and directly affected the well being of the people of Nagaland, which he had to raise “very frequently, with specific details.”
Singh also clarified that his talk at the January 21 seminar was on conflict/security situation in Nagaland “and not merely CFGRs”.He said it was in this context, that the judicial aspects and other issues were raised such as-NSCN obstructing procedural activities of Nagaland Police by “harbouring & illegally detaining persons accused of murder” having direct impact on the law and order and security situation in the state.
On governance, Singh said ideally it was true, that in a democracy, people govern themselves through their elected representatives “without any extra-constitutional interference”. He appealed on the NSCN respect the CFGRs in letter and in spirit, which “they themselves had agreed to.”