Flush-out operations in Dimapur

Kohima, Jun 07: The Dimapur district administration, with the help of security forces, conducted a joint 'flush out operation' in and around Dimapur yesterday and evicted hundreds of armed cadres of underground factions.

Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Maongwati Aier, briefing newsmen last night, said that as per the decision of the state government to implement the Cease-Fire Ground Rules(CFGR), especially in Dimapur town following frequent clashes between rival factions of NSCN, the district administrations had ordered all the cadres to vacate civilian areas.

The administration, with the help of over 800 personnel from the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, Indian Reserve Battalion(IRB) and police conducted joint operations in Purana Bazar, Khermahal, Veterinary Colony, Walford area, Burma Camp, PWD Colony, Bor Lengri, United North Block 'A' Nagarjan, Wingram Colony,Xelhozhe, Old Showuba, Seithekiema and Patkal College areas of Dimapur town and some areas of Chumukedima town in Zelhozhe village, where over a hundred cadres GPRN/NSCN were massed up.

They vacated the area after the administration and police asked them to. An equal number of NSCN-IM cadres also vacated Seuthejuema village. However, in Wungram Colony, about forty armed cadres refused to do so for the security of their family members. But after being persuaded by the administration of their kins' security they agreed to vacate.

The joint operation team recovered two small arms, ammunition of assorted varieties, uniforms and some incriminating documents.

Mr Moangwati also said the primary purpose of the operation was to send a strong message to all armed factions that the administration was determined to ensure peace and security of civilians.

He also said such joint flush out operations would be taken up frequently to ensure that none of the armed cadres return.

UNI