Army Chief, General N C Vij said that there was a dramatic change in the militancy scenario in the North-Eastern states barring Manipur and Tripura during the past five years or so and appreciated the people’s yearning for peace. ‘If you look at the overall security scenario in the North-East, there is a dramatic change for the better in the last five years or so and each state is doing well with much better results than before,’ the General said. Gen Vij was on a two-day visit to Nagaland and Manipur and reviewed the security scenario in the region holding a series of briefings with local army commanders, 3 crop commander, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and representatives of apex tribal council Naga Hoho. Describing Nagaland as the most peaceful State in the region at present, the General said there were problems in Manipur and Tripura so far militant activities were concerned, adding ‘of course, Mizoram is already on the path to peace as they have shunned insurgency altogether.’

Gen Vij said the situation in Assam was fast returning to normal but efforts were being made to normalise the situation where the problem still lingered. On the activities of NE militants from across the border, the Army chief manitained, ‘We are operating in that direction and the terrorists on the other side of the border are being taken care off.’ Stating that the people’s yearning for peace was the main driving force for the army and security forces, the General said, ‘the most important factor is the people’s effort to  bring a complete halt to militant actities in the region’.Lauding the people of Nagaland  for their endeavours to bring peace to the state, Gen Vij said during his meeting with  the Chief Minister, representatives of Naga Hoho and others he  was  given the impression that the role of security forces in  restoring peace in Nagaland was well appreciated by the people. “People’s desire for peace here is overwhelming and we are here to ensure peace returns to Nagaland as early as possible,” the General maintained asserting that all efforts should be made by all to achieve this. Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent visit, Gen Vij said,’ the idea is that Nagaland should be on way to prosperity which it rightly deserved.’ The General accompanied by local army commanders visited border district of Tuensang.

| Nagaland | North East Enquirer (Headlines) | Nena Home Page |