(CALCUTTA: The Army’s problems in countering insurgency in the north feast have been compounded by lack ‘of cooperation from the local authorities, particularly in Nagaland and Manipur, the Chief of Staff, Eastern ‘Command, Lieutenant General O.P. Kaushik, admitted here last week.

“Demoralized bureaucracy, subversion of police forces, cooperation being extended by civil officials and businessmen to insurgent organizations and inadequate deployment of BSP for border management are aiding the spread of insurgency in the region, General Kaushik told a Press conference.

The lack of cooperation from the local authorities had forced the Army 10 suspend full-scale operations in Nagaland earlier this month. The ‘Army’s task has also been made difficult by investigations by human rights organizations to alleged Army excesses.

Citing instances of help extended to underground elements by local authorities, General Kaushik said that ‘over 250 weapons had been “given away” by the Nagaland Armed Police personnel 10 militants since April, 1993. The Manipur Rifles has also showna’‘tendency to giveaway weapons to militants.” How the Army could achieve success if the State police were so “subjugated and compromised,” he wondered.

While the situation in Nagaland needed to be tackled on a “war footing,” the Army’s efforts were being seriously handicapped as militants arrested by security forces were released. There have been 26 such cases in Nagaland over the past three months, one such incident recently led to the Army retaliating by suspending full scale operations in the State.

Article extracted from this publication >>  June 30, 1995