Thenucho flays Inter-Factional clashes

Kohima, Oct 18: Home Minister of Nagaland Thenucho yesterday said "ceasefire does not give the license to kill and those who have signed the ceasefire agreement should abide by it" while briefing media persons on the prevailing factional violence in Nagaland.

Pointing out difficulties being faced by police while dealing with the situation unlike and 1964 ceasefire and the 1976 peace agreement, Thenucho said despite the current ceasefire agreements there was continued rivalry and killings among the rival NSCN factions. He said though the ceasefire agreements were signed (with the NSCN faction) "They have the arms and ammunitions with them." However, he was quick to add that "We are trying our best, and wherever there is problem, we are deploying the IRB and the state police force." To a querry, Thenucho disclosed that state government had already discussed the issue with the Centre which has assured to review and amend the ceasefire ground rules. Thenucho, who had recently returned from Singapore, was all praise for the Asian country.

Speaking about his visit to different establishments and his meeting with the Home Minister of that country, Thenucho said Singapore had one of the best training academies with all modern facilities where the trained staffs of the Home Department have the best relation with politicians and state government machineries.

The minister revealed that Nagaland government had also decided to establish its own police training academy for which a plot measuring 500 acres had been acquired at Razaphema. In this regard, the government is planning to propose the Centre for financial help, he said.

"Unless we give proper training to our policemen, we cannot handle the law and order," Thenucho said and added he has plans to introduce community policing to cement the relation between the public and the police.

To another query, Thenucho admitted that excesses were often committed against the public by the state's force and said the state police need to improve human relationship. Police should not think that by wearing uniform they are different or superior citizens.

"They should act in a civilized manner," the minister added.

UNI