GUWAHATI: The Centre on Wednesday said it was not kept in the loop by S S Khaplang faction of major Naga insurgent group, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) when it had decided to withdraw from the ceasefire in March.
“I want to make it clear that the (unilateral) abrogation of the ceasefire by the NSCN-K was not known to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. We were surprised by the decision because of which there is so much tension now,” Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters here.
“I apprehend that their decision will affect the civilian population (in Nagaland). So, my appeal to them (extremist groups) is that they desist from taking any decision that creates a problem for all of us,” he said.
Rijiju’s comments came amid the stepped up offensive by the security forces against NSCN-K militants, who are operating from Myanmar and Nagaland.
“Recently, I had spoken about the (NSCN-K) cadre, who were blatantly resorting to extortion. I had said that they don’t even know their leadership and are (doing) nothing for Naga cause. NSCN-K leadership is extremely critical of me and upset with me now. But let me clarify that my statement was never directed against them,” the minister said.