In the wake of the Centre and NSCN (IM) talks remaining inconclusive, Nagaland police have been asked to be on alert.
Top police officials–IGP (intelligence), Dimapur commissioner of police and all SPs—have been asked to take necessary precautionary measures to meet any eventuality.
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After Thursday’s talks in New Delhi, the NSCN (IM) has reportedly mobilized its cadres at strategic locations in Dimapur, Zunheboto and other areas of Nagaland.
Police sources on Friday said a wireless message intercepted by them on Tuesday revealed that several top echelons of NSCN-IM feel that the outcome of the ongoing talks may not be according to their demands.
Fearing the fallout, various self-styled commanding officers of battalions and brigades of NSCN-IM, especially JC battalion (Kiphire) and Yenbemo battalion (Tuensang) have been asked to safeguard the arms and ammunition available with them and shift them to nearby villages of these camps, the message said.
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According to police, the message also indicates shifting of weapons housed with senior leadership residing in Dimapur.
Police said the message suggests that on the directives of the top echelons of the NSCN (IM), the outfit started mobilising their cadres in groups comprising 10-20 cadres at strategic locations in Dimapur, Zunheboto and other areas of the state.
The message said all necessary precautionary and preventive measures may be taken in view of the above inputs.
According to reports, some 300 NSCN (IM) cadres reportedly left their headquarters Camp Hebron, around 45km from here, towards Manipur side on Thursday in a bid to crossover to bordering countries.
However, the report could not be confirmed by this reporter.
On Thursday, the Nagaland police directed all unit commanders of its armed police battalions and Indian Reserve Battalions to keep stock of two months’ ration and petrol oil lubricants in view of the fluid situation in the state.
On October 21, the Nagaland government directed all deputy commissioners and administrative officers to remain within their places of posting and jurisdictions till further orders, amid fears and speculation of breakdown of law and order among the people in the state over the Naga talks.
A wireless message issued by the state chief secretary’s office also directed that in case of extreme exigency, written permission of the chief secretary be taken before leaving station through the commissioner of Nagaland.
It said any administrative officer not available in station and not on medical/maternity leave already sanctioned should be recalled.
The Nagaland police headquarters in a wireless message on October 11 also directed all unit commanders to recall all officers and personnel on leave, except those on medical leave, immediately.
“This is for strict compliance,” a message issued by Nagaland DGP’s office said.
In another development, former ato kilonser (home minister) and current member of negotiating team of NSCN (IM) Hukavi Yepthomi joined the NNPGs on Friday.
A source said Yepthomi decided to join the NNPGs in order to be practical and grasping the reality of the situation and to acknowledge the desire of the Naga people.
Both the NSCN (IM) and the working committee of NNPGs are holding separate parleys with the Centre to resolve the decade-old Naga issue.
The third round of formal talks between the Centre and NSCN (IM) in New Delhi on Thursday remained inconclusive as they failed to arrive at a consensus on inclusion of Naga flag and constitution in the final agreement.
However, both sides decided to continue the talks.