Naga Peace Accord: No change in ceasefire ground rules, Naga interlocutor tells Home Ministry

According to sources, Ravi’s response indicated that “there is no change in the ceasefire ground rules”.

[related-post]

Government sources had earlier said that the deal was just a ‘framework agreement’ which laid down the contours within which the two sides would thrash out the details of a final deal in the following months.

The ceasefire ground rules dictate that there will be designated camps where all armed cadres of the outfit would be located, and there will be no movement in uniform and with arms outside these camps. No such camps will be located in populated areas or near highways, Army posts or police stations. Further the movement of NSCN (IM) cadres from one designated camp to another will be carried out for mutually agreed purposes and with intimation to the security forces.

The ground rules also dictate that the NSCN(IM) will refrain from acquiring any additional arms, ammunition and military equipment. Moreover, the patrolling by the Army, paramilitary forces and the police would continue to prevent infiltration of militants and arms as before. While patrolling within one km of the designated camps will be carried out with intimation, the protection of convoys and patrolling of roads would continue to be undertaken by the security forces.

Sources said the forces would also continue to retain the right to enforce measures necessary to uphold the laws of the land and prevent any disturbance.

Under the ceasefire rules, the NSCN (IM) will not undertake offensive operations. The outfit would also not act in a manner as to cause harassment or damage or loss of property or injury to the civilian population. Similarly, there will be no offensive operation against the outfit by the security forces.

As sources pointed out, the government reserves its right to continue operations against all other militant groups who are not a party to the ceasefire.