The NSCN (I-M) on Monday said Nagas willing to join the ‘Naga national service’ out of their own conviction does not violate the Ceasefire Ground Rules (CFGR) between the insurgent outfit and the Government.
Reacting to a report that the Army and the Assam Rifles foiled a major recruitment bid of the NSCN (I-M) in Mon district of Nagaland State, the NSCN stated that "they are not being forced by any local authority or NSCN."
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In a release, the NSCN (IM) stated that ever since the political movement of the Nagas started more than 70 years ago, the passion to serve the ‘Naga nation’ has been growing steadily and spontaneously among the Naga youths because the Indo-Naga political issue matters to them. “It matters to them because it is a question of redefining Naga’s political identity,” said the release.
"This is the reason why young people, irrespective of their education level continues to be motivated to find their way to NSCN camps and other political groups", stated the insurgent group.
The NSCN (IM)'s press note issued by the PRO (Defence) Lt. Col. Sumit Sharma that said “Covert recruitment racket of NSCN (I-M) busted in Mon on November 21, 2019” as appeared in various newspapers on November 25.
“This is a misplaced statement against the NSCN and goes against the historical right and reality as testified in the past many years,” stated the release.
"The sanctity of the dearest Naga political issue will stand strong to inspire Naga youths, no matter how much effort is put in by the Assam Rifles and Indian Army personnel to give a different colour,” it added.
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