The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) has strongly condemned the improvised explosive device (IED) blast that killed an Indian Army soldier and injured four others near Khopanala in Shukhovi on July 13. The outfit described the incident as a ‘cowardly terrorist act’ that served no legitimate purpose other than to spread fear, create chaos, and undermine the peaceful atmosphere that people have long sought to preserve.
The NSCN-IM stated that the use of activated explosive devices and anti-personnel mines is contrary to humanitarian principles and places innocent lives at unacceptable risk. As a signatory to the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment banning anti-personnel mines, the outfit remains committed to upholding its obligations and rejects the use of such weapons.
The NSCN-IM reiterated its commitment to the Indo-Naga Ceasefire Agreement, stating that it would continue to honour both the letter and spirit of the Ceasefire Ground Rules. It remains committed to maintaining peace, exercising restraint, and ensuring that its conduct is consistent with the obligations undertaken under the ceasefire arrangement.
The outfit described the explosion as an attack not only on the immediate victims but also on the fragile peace and stability of the region. Such acts are intended to sow mistrust, fuel instability, and derail efforts towards peace. The NSCN-IM stated that it would make every effort to ascertain the facts behind the incident and identify those responsible.
The outfit appealed to the public to remain calm, refrain from speculation, and cooperate in ensuring that the facts are established. The pursuit of truth and justice is essential to preventing those responsible from achieving their objective of disrupting peace.
