Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Yanthungo Patton has said the state government is closely monitoring areas bordering Manipur and is taking measures to ensure that the ongoing unrest in the neighbouring state does not spill over into Nagaland.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Patton said the government remained vigilant in view of the prevailing security situation and asserted that it would not allow the violence in Manipur to affect peace in Nagaland.
His remarks come days after an improvised explosive device (IED) blast at Sukhovi in Chümoukedima district claimed the life of an Assam Rifles havildar and injured four other personnel. The attack, which has been widely condemned by church organisations, tribal bodies and political parties, occurred a week after an ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur’s Ukhrul district that killed two security personnel.
Describing the Sukhovi blast as shocking, Patton said Nagaland has remained one of the most peaceful states in the region over the past several years and termed the incident unfortunate.
He said he had directed the police, security agencies and paramilitary forces to identify those responsible for the attack at the earliest and expressed condolences over the death of the Assam Rifles personnel while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Patton also noted that such an incident was unprecedented in recent years and said the government was awaiting the findings of the investigation to establish those responsible and the motive behind the attack.
The security concerns come against the backdrop of renewed tensions in Manipur, where clashes between Naga and Kuki-Zo groups have heightened instability in the hill districts. The situation has been further complicated by tensions involving the NSCN (IM) and its breakaway Eastern Flank faction, as well as recent security operations in Senapati district that triggered protests from local residents.
The unrest has also prompted concern in Nagaland, particularly following the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur earlier this year, an incident that drew condemnation from various organisations and prompted intervention by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Reiterating the government’s position, Patton said Nagaland would remain vigilant to prevent any fallout from the situation across the border.
(With inputs from The Indian Express)
