Imphal: The stand off between the security forces and the NSCN-IM continues for the second day today spreading to Manipur.
The current quagmire was triggered by the Thursday incident where the NSCN-IM had detained five Assam Rifles jawans after having had snatched their weapons.
The Assam Rifles personnel traveling in a truck allegedly ‘trespassed’ into the 20 metre range of Hebron Camp violating the cease fire ground rules which prompted the Naga militants to act on them, a source said.
On Friday since early morning, about 200 jawans of Assam Rifles scattered themselves in all the approach roads to Hebron Camp, off Dimapur and conduct intense frisking on anybody they come across.
The frisking operation is reportedly still underway till the filing of this story. Four senior NSCN-IM leaders including kilonsers (NSCN-IM ministers) were detained for the whole day and released in the evening by the Assam Rifles.
The four NSCN-IM leaders were heading for the Hebron Camp for a meeting, according to a source.
Personnel of 29 Assam Rifles and 32 Assam Rifles with their respective commanfing officers are leading the operation.
In Manipur, security forces personnel in large number have been rushed to the vicinity of NSCN-IM designated camps as a pre-emptive move.
Sources said that personnel of 10th Dogra Regiment are carrying out intense patrolling near the NP Battalion of the NSCN-IM designated camp at Piulong (Buning) near Tamei in Tamenglong district.
The personnel of the 5th and 43rd Assam Rifles are doing the same at Hothrong Brigade of the Naga outfit near Oklong in Senapati district and in Chandel district, central forces are enhancing the security measure at AC Battalion of the NSCN-IM.
A separate source said that Kishumung Battalion of the NSCN-IM in Ukhrul district is also facing similar ‘provocation’ from the Assam Rifles today.
A separate source said that chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG), government of India Maj Gen (retired) N George is camping in Dimapur to diffuse the highly charged situation. Meetings are also underway at Rangapahar Army base.
Meanwhile, weapons of the Assam Rifles personnel confiscated by the NSCN-IM are yet to be returned, according to another source.
The NSCN-IM leaders stationed at Hebron Camp are reportedly waiting for the decision of Muivah and Swu who are camping in New Delhi presently. (NNN)