Centre will not tolerate any ceasefire violation in north east: Rijiju ?

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju today reaffirmed that any violation of the ceasefire in India's north eastern states would not be tolerated by the Centre.

Responding to a question from ANI, he expressed his deep shock over the ambush of a convoy of the 4 Rajput Regiment along Khonsa-Longding Road in the Tirap District of Arunachal Pradesh on April 2, which resulted in the killing of three soldiers and serious injuries to four others by suspected NSCN militants.

Rijiju was talking after flagging off the Everest mission of Anshu Jamsenpa, who holds the record of being the only woman and mother to scale Everest thrice. She will attempt to create a new world record for a double ascent to the highest peak of the world for the fourth time in April-May next.

Though the home ministry had given intelligence inputs to defence sources, this was neglected and resulted in the unfortunate incident in Tirap District, he said, adding that those responsible have escaped into Myanmar but would be brought to justice.

When it was pointed out that it was a violation of the ceasefire, Rijiju admitted to it, but added that every action would have a repercussion.

The ceasefire with the NSCN (I-M) came into force in August 1997 and the NSCN (K) signed a ceasefire agreement in 2000.

Though the truce has been in force since then with several rounds of talks, the NSCN (K) violated it recently following a split, even as the Centre continues its unilateral ceasefire.

Reminded about the NDA Government following the principle of Panchamrit-Samman (dignity and honour); Samvad (greater engagement and dialogue); Samriddhi (shared prosperity); Suraksha (regional and global security) and Sanskriti evam Sabhyata (cultural and civilizational linkages), and the fact that repeated violations were taking place across north east India, Rijiju said there would be no more talks at political level.

Naga peace talks interlocutor and chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee R N Ravi has been asked to give a shape soon to the talks which could be held only if the insurgents shun violence, Rijiju said.

"Terror and talks cannot go together", he said with conviction.

People are fed up with violence and craving for peace and the insurgents have to shun violence to thrush out a lasting solution for peace to rule the region, he added.