NSCN-IM return seized weapons to army

Dimapur, Apr 25 (ANI): In a noble gesture, the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) has handed over weapons to the 29 Assam Rifles unit near Dimapur.

The handing over of the seized arms and ammunitions took place some few kilometers away from the council headquarters of the NSCN (IM) outfit at the community hall at Monglumukh village. This is perhaps the first such incident since the outfit signed a ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 1997.

The detained weapons, which were handed over to the Assam Rifles, included four AK 47s, an INSAS Rifle and 360 rounds of ammunition, four sets of bullet proofs vests with caps and two wireless sets.

The NSCN was formed on January 31, 1980 by Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah and S.S. Khaplang who opposed the Shillong Accord signed by the then Naga National Council (NNC) with the federal government.

It has two factions-the NSCN-IM and NSCN-K-currently at loggerheads with each other over ideological issues and both groups are also active in neighbouring states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The NSCN-IM exercises administrative control in 11 regions of the state and has formed ministries-including Defence, home, finance and foreign affairs.

The rebellious group has also established a government-in-exile called the Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland (GPRN) acting as the face of the outfit. (ANI)