NSCN(K) forcibly recruiting schoolkids: security forces

Security forces deployed in Nagaland claimed Wednesday that the NSCN(K) had started recruiting schoolchildren at gunpoint in order to replenish its diminishing cadre strength. A few months ago, the NSCN(K) abrogated the ceasefire it had signed with the government in 2001.

“The NSCN(K) has continued with its drive of recruiting schoolchildren at gunpoint, because the peace loving citizens of Nagaland have refused to support any form of violence and are not willing to replenish the depleting strength of NSCN(K) cadres,” said a statement issued by the Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force of the country that specialises in counter-insurgency operations.

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In its latest recruitment drive, the NSCN(K) picked up 15 boys — all below 15 years — from Phek district and took them away to one of its camps at Tsera inside Myanmar. From there they will be dispatched to Ngiakching, also in Myanmar for basic military training, the Assam Rifles press release claimed.

The Assam Rifles also gave a list of the 15 boys who belong to four different villages – Phor, New Phor, Phoukungri and Wuzu – all in the Phek district. “This action is in direct contravention to the Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989,” the Assam Rifles said.