Ceasefire with Naga political groups a ‘license’ for unlawful activities, says Nagaland MLA Nienu

KOHIMA — The effectiveness of the ongoing ceasefire in Nagaland and its impact on law and order took centre stage on the final day of the NLA fifth session.

During the discussion on matters of urgent public importance, MLA and Naga People’s Front (NPF) leader, Kuzholuzo Nienu questioned whether the ceasefire agreements were truly benefiting the state or inadvertently providing cover for a surge in criminal activities.

Noting a surge in threats, intimidation tactics, kidnapping, extortion, multiple taxation, and even killings, argued that the ceasefire has become a “license” for unlawful activities conducted openly under the pretence of peace. He urged the house to critically re-evaluate the necessity of extending the ceasefire, emphasising the need to prioritize the rule of law.

“For how long can we, as mandated leaders, remain silent spectators, and how many times shall we allow them [armed groups] to challenge the rule of law?” Nienu challenged his fellow legislators. He called for an immediate and comprehensive review of the ceasefire ground rules to address the current situation and implement stricter measures against violations.

Structural changes to monitoring mechanisms

In addition to reviewing the ceasefire ground rules, Nienu proposed significant changes to the structure and function of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) and the Ceasefire Monitoring Board (CFMB). He recommended replacing the current single-chairperson system with a three-member panel comprising representatives from the Army, Police, and civilian population. He also called for more state government control over the committees.

He also recommended relocating all individual ceasefire offices from Dimapur to a single building in Kohima to improve coordination and expedite the resolution of ceasefire violations.

Nienu highlighted the absence of sustenance allowances or compensation mechanisms for the armed and civil cadres of the Naga political groups (NPGs) involved in the ceasefire, and suggested that the Government of India provide a minimum monthly sustenance allowance and ration to prevent these cadres from resorting to extortion and other criminal activities.

He also addressed the issue of NPGs operating outside the ceasefire agreements with the Government of India and called for a firm stance against such groups, urging the government to ban them and exclude their members from the NNPG (Naga National Political Groups) Board. He also called for an immediate end to the practice of issuing parallel orders and directives by the numerous factions (estimated at 25-26) currently active in the state.

Furthermore, the role of the state government in this matter must be clear and free of contradictions, with the rule of law being strictly enforced, he added.

Police committed to maintaining law and order- Patton

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who also holds the Home portfolio, assured the Assembly that the state police force is fully committed to maintaining law and order. He said that law enforcement agencies are actively addressing challenges from factions and criminal activities, despite recent unrest and threats.

The government has communicated with the chairman of the CFMG and Ceasefire Supervisory Board, urging action on the growing number of ceasefire violations.

Patton provided specific data to demonstrate the police’s efforts in curbing extortion and revealed that between January and June 2024, the police registered 32 extortion cases, resulting in the arrest of 35 individuals belonging to groups including the NNC (FGN), NSCN (IM), NSCN-K (Khango), and NSCN-K (Niki).

He also said that a total of 106 individuals affiliated with various factions had been arrested by the police and security forces combined from January 2024 until August 28. These arrests include: 25 individuals detained under 11 cases related to abduction and kidnapping and 26 individuals arrested in connection with 20 cases of violations under the Arms Act.

Furthermore, the state government sanctioned the detention of 17 individuals under the National Security Act, 1980, during this calendar year.

Presenting crime statistics, Patton stated that the overall crime situation in Nagaland is under control, with a significant number of cases being registered and addressed.

Between January and June 2024, the police registered 724 cases under various sections of the law and in 2023, the police registered 2,486 cases.

Under the Arms Act, 41 cases were registered by June 2024, compared to 73 in 2023.154 cases were filed under the NLTP Act this year, compared to 370 cases last year, while 116 drug-related cases were registered in 2024, compared to 357 in 2023.

He also highlighted the successful seizure of drugs worth over INR 12 crore by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in 2024.

Ceasefire extensions

The deputy chief minister also informed the house that Government of India has extended the ceasefire agreements with several factions, including the NSCN (R), NSCN (KN), NSCN-K (Khango), and NSCN-K (Niki), for varying periods within 2024 and 2025.

He informed that ceasefire review meetings are held periodically in the state, with the most recent one being the CFMG/CFSB meeting on March 27, 2024, to monitor compliance with the Ceasefire Ground Rules and address any violations.

He also pointed out that fifteen designated camps for different groups: NSCN (IM ) with 9; NSCN (KN) with 3; NSCN (R), NSCN(Niki) and NSCN – (Khango) have one each.

Certain pockets in the state have been declared as “Disturbed Areas” under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for a period of six months starting from April 1, 2024, he said.

Further, Patton asserted that the police force is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the maintenance of law and order in Nagaland.