MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, raising concerns about the current ceasefire agreements in Nagaland, claimed that the ceasefire has become a “licence” for threat and intimidate, kidnapping, extortion, multiple taxation and killing. All such nefarious activities are happening right in front of our eyes under the guise of ceasefire, which includes mushrooming of groups/faction, he said.
Nienu, said this today, while giving his statement on matter of urgent public importance pertaining to the “Ceasefire and Law and Order situation in the State” during the Fifth Session of the Fourteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
He was of the opinion that Nagas will be better off without ceasefire, adding that for how long the mandated leaders will remain as silent spectator and allow them to challenge the rule of law.
“It’s time the state needs to seriously ponder as to whether ceasefire should be extended or not if at all ceasefire needs to be extended. The ceasefire ground rules need to be reviewed immediately so that the current ground situation and the measures to control the violations can be incorporated and Rule of Law be enforced,” said Nienu.
The MLA suggested that Government of India should provide a minimum monthly sustenance allowance along with monthly ration to the members of groups that have signed ceasefire pacts so that “they do not go around extorting from general public and causing law and order problem everywhere.”
Further, he recommended that instead of hiring just one person as the chairman of the CFMG/CFSB, there should be three regular committee members, comprising of the army, police and civilian. “We don’t need retired army or police officers, we have smart younger officers who can take charge,” he said.
Nienu also proposed CFMG/CFSB should be within the control of the Nagaland government. He also urged for removal of all the individual ceasefire offices from Dimapur and have a single building structure ideally based at Kohima to “help in better coordination and quick disposal ceasefire violations.”
He opined that outfits that have not signed ceasefire agreements with Government of India should be banned and dealt strictly as per the law of the land and that members of such outfits should not be part of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) or any other groups.
Moreover, the MLA also emphasised the need for the Nagaland Government to give strict directives to all the other factions to stop issuing parallel orders and directives to the general public immediately as they are confusing the public. “We have a mandated government and order should be given by the State Government,” he added.
