In a representation to the Union Minister today, NSF president Tongpang Ozukum and assistant general secretary Kesosul Christopher Ltu said it is quite unfortunate that the Chief Minister of Assam not satisfied with misusing and dishonouring Assam-Nagaland Border Agreement is on another mission to mislead the Central leaders on border issues.
The NSF sought to point out that the Government of Nagaland has honourably withdrawn the NAP from all border areas as per the Interim Agreement signed between the two States on January 28, 1979, in Shillong while the ground rules were made on April 11, 1979 in New Delhi in presence of then Union Home Minister. However, till date the Assam Government has not withdrawn their forces from the border areas as agreed upon, it alleged.
“Therefore the question of withdrawing Nagaland Police from border areas as claimed by the Assam Chief Minister does not arise at all; rather, Assam Government should first honour the Interim Agreement made in presence of the Central leaders and withdraw their armed police forces from the border areas,” it demanded.
The NSF said as per the 1979 Interim Agreement, in place of Nagaland and Assam Armed Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles were deputed as ‘neutral forces’ and the overall operation command of the CRPF and Assam Rifles was put under the Additional IG of Assam. But these neutral forces have always acted against the Nagas at the behest of Assam Government, the NSF stated.
Also, explaining that there are four Interim Agreements made between the State of Nagaland and Assam so far in connection to border issues, the NSF said while Nagaland Government has honoured the agreements in letter and spirit, Assam Government has never honoured the agreements.
Therefore, the NSF demanded that in order to maintain peaceful atmosphere in the border areas, the standing interim agreements should be either revoked or reviewed as these agreements are highly prejudiced towards Nagaland. It further demanded that the Government of India should take necessary action against the Chief Minister of Assam for misleading the Central leaders and also for creating fear psychosis, border tension and unrest amongst the people living in the border areas.
Source: Assam Tribune
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