NSCN has role in Assam violence: Govt

Indicating the involvement of Naga insurgent groups, particularly NSCN in repeated violence in North Cachar Hills, the Assam government on Thursday said that the matter would be taken up with the Nagaland government.

Indicating the involvement of Naga insurgent groups, particularly NSCN in repeated violence in North Cachar Hills, the Assam government on Thursday said that the matter would be taken up with the Nagaland government.

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"Once a new government is installed at the Centre, we will seek New Delhi's intervention urging it to take up the matter with the Nagaland government," Assam Government spokesman and state health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told PTI in Shillong.

At least 15 persons were killed in repeated militant strikes in the district in the past couple of months. The rebels have also attacked trains, besides setting ablaze entire villages over the last few weeks.

The threat has stalled movement of trains and hampered construction work of the railway gauge conversion and four-laning of national highway.

The Assam Government was open to negotiations or a ceasefire with the Naga groups but the ceasefire should not lead to more extortion or insecurity among the people, Sarma said when asked.

Asked about reports of launch of a joint operation by security forces in the area, he said "We have adopted a track two tactic aimed at providing security to the populace."

Naga groups are backing local tribal outfits like Black Widow, district police said.