CRPF operation to track down Naga rogues

GUWAHATI: After drawing flak from the Assam government for not doing enough to maintain peace on the disputed Assam-Nagaland border, the CRPF will finally launch an operation in Wokha district of Nagaland to track down Naga miscreants who killed 15 Assam villagers on August 12 and 13.
The CRPF has been deployed as a neutral force on the disputed border under the direct control of the MHA.
Chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who had to face the wrath of villagers at Uraimaghat on Monday, said people living along the Assam-Nagaland border and the inmates of the relief camps do not have confidence in the Centre’s force. “People living in the border areas want reinforcement of state security forces for their safety. This shows their confidence in the state security forces,” he added. He said people have faith in the state government. The state government has also accused the NSCN (IM) cadres of being involved in the recent border firing and arson in the Uriamghat area of Golaghat district. Gogoi has accused the CRPF of failing to prevent the Naga miscreants from raiding Assam villages on the border, killing people and setting houses on fire.
Additional DGP (law and order) AP Rout said, “The CRPF, in its operation, will be assisted by both Nagaland and Assam Police. Magistrates from both the states will also be present.” He added that one additional company of CRPF has also been deployed on the border.
The disputed Assam-Nagaland border has been the under control of a neutral force to maintain status quo since 1979 after the dispute was raised by Nagaland. This force is directly under the ministry of home affairs. In the initial years, Assam Rifles personnel were deployed.
Rout said Assam Police have set up nine pickets in vulnerable places.