IT News
Imphal, May 23:
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) has accused the National Investigation Agency (NIA) of undermining the ongoing political dialogue with the Indian government. The NSCN-IM claims that the NIA’s allegations of their involvement in the Meitei-Kuki-Zo ethnic conflict are baseless and detrimental to the peace process.
In a statement, the NSCN-IM, which has been engaged in political negotiations with the Indian government for over 25 years, asserted that they have deliberately kept away from the ethnic conflict, as such involvement would not serve their political goals. The statement emphasized that their focus remains on achieving a political settlement through dialogue.
The NSCN-IM’s statement also accused elements within the Indian Armed Forces, specifically the Assam Rifles (AR) and Para Regiment, of colluding with Kuki militant groups. This alleged alliance, according to the NSCN-IM, has led to a dangerous, war-like scenario along the Indo-Myanmar border, a situation unprecedented despite the region’s history of militant activity.
The statement highlighted that while the Kuki National Army (KNA) and its faction KNA(B) deny any association with the AR and Paratroopers, eyewitness reports suggest otherwise. The KNA(B) reportedly enjoys unrestricted access to cross into Myanmar, a privilege not extended to other groups, implying a clandestine support system.
Home Minister Amit Shah has blamed the unrest in Manipur on illegal immigrants from Myanmar and has responded by abolishing the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and initiating border fencing. Despite these measures, reports indicate that the NIA, along with AR and Para Regiment, are allegedly facilitating the movements of Kuki militants. Local villagers have reported seeing trucks transporting Kuki militants to the border, allegedly with AR assistance.
The NSCN-IM further alleges that Indian security forces have provided combat materials, including GI pipes for bomb-making, to the KNA(B) and Chin People’s Defense Force (PDF). The bomb-making facility in Phaiyang village, operated by KNA(B), is reportedly under the protection of Indian security forces, who are also accused of training militants in bomb-making and drone operations.
The conflict has led to tragic outcomes, including the recent killings of NSCN officers 2nd Lieutenant Hante Ao and Lieutenant Colonel Yaoreichan by KNA(B) and PDF forces. The presence of over 5,000 Kuki refugees from Myanmar in Naga villages has further strained local resources and increased criminal activities, adding to the instability.
The NSCN-IM has condemned the actions of Indian security forces, describing them as “military brinkmanship.” They accuse the forces of conducting drone attacks on Naga Army camps in Myanmar, labeling these actions as international aggression, war crimes, and a form of state terrorism, as the camps lie outside Indian jurisdiction.