Poonam Nath

Nagaland: Insurgent, tribal groups call for Independence Day boycott; security intensified

Digital Desk: Nagaland had increased security on the 79th Independence Day after two groups called for a boycott, officials said.

All commandants of Nagaland Armed Police (NAP) units and Indian Reserve Battalions have been asked to maintain constant monitoring, with specific emphasis on the disputed areas along the Assam-Nagaland boundary and the international border with Myanmar. Renchamo P. Kikon, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), told PTI from here.

Kikon made it clear that "we are hopeful no untoward incident will happen and the celebrations across the state will pass off peacefully.”

The NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung) and the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) have encouraged residents in the region to refrain from partaking in the celebrations.

Following the directions, student organizations representing the five tribes issued letters prohibiting educational institutions and students from partaking in the celebrations in at least six districts — Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Chümoukedima, Niuland, and Wokha.

However, the Nagaland government has issued stern instructions for all government personnel and staff to attend Independence Day celebrations throughout the state.