Kohima, April 22 (NNN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has alleged that “there is increasing apprehension that the monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 provided to each cadre under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) arrangement is being misused by certain Kuki militant groups for the procurement of arms and ammunition”.
“Reports indicating that the State Home Commissioner has proposed the release of over Rs 30 crore towards stipend expenditure for Kuki SoO cadres to the Ministry of Home Affairs have only deepened these concerns”, the Global Naga Form further said.
In light of these developments, the GNF “strongly” urged both the central and state governments to ensure strict enforcement of the SoO ground rules. Any violations must be dealt with firmly and without delay, it also said.
“If it is established that these groups are exploiting the SoO arrangement to target innocent Naga civilians, it becomes both necessary and justified to consider the abrogation of the SoO agreement with the concerned Kuki groups, particularly the KNO”, the GNF added.
The GNF then expressed its strong and unequivocal condemnation of the heinous ambush and killing of two innocent Tangkhul Naga civilians along NH-202 near TM Kasom, Ukhrul district, “widely acknowledged as the handiwork of Kuki terrorists”.
In addition, the GNF said that, based on multiple ground reports and eyewitness accounts, there is growing concern regarding the free movement and activities of Kuki SoO militant cadres in close proximity to Naga villages such as Sinakeithei, Thoyee, Sharkaphung, and TM Kasom. “It has been observed that nearby Kuki villages—including Mongkot-Chepu, Shangkhai, Zalenbung, Songphel, and Mollen are allegedly being used as operational bases by these armed groups, who are reportedly in possession of sophisticated weapons despite the presence of substantial central security forces in the region”, said the GNF.
The GNF also extended its “deepest condolences” to the bereaved families of the victims and expressed its “unwavering solidarity” with the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and the people of Ukhrul district during this time of immense sorrow. “This premeditated and targeted attack on unarmed civilians is a grave crime against humanity and is a direct attempt to instill fear among Nagas and to destroy the fabric of peace in the Naga homeland”, it added.
