(The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect that of Nagaland Tribune.)

Apropos news report in esteemed dailies of Nagaland, regarding felicitation of Naib Subedar Hokato Sema for winning a Bronze Medal in Shot Put event in Paris Paralympics by NSCN at Dimapur on 29 Oct.

Felicitation of Medal Winning Sportsmen from Naga Community is a laudable act to motivate the Naga Youth. The Spear Corps and Assam Rifles had also organised functions to honour the serving Junior Commissioned Officer.

It is not understood as to how an underground organisation like NSCN (Kitovi) which has picked up arms against the Country (presently in Cease Fire) invite the Award Winning Army Sportsman and also whether the Sportsman had obtained prior permission before attending the event.

It would be in the fitness of things if the Army authorities lay down clear cut rules for maintainence of good military order and discipline amongst all ranks. It would also be prudent for CFMC and CFSB to ensure that there is no infringement of good order & military discipline in enforcement of Cease Fire Ground Rules. If need be, the same could be revisited and amended accordingly to prevent such avoidable incidents.

Col Prakash Bhatt (Retd) is former additional DIG Assam Rifles (Nagaland) and former deputy commandant of Kumaon Regimental Centre.