No Immunity for Taxation Under Ceasefire Agreements: Lt. Gen. Bedi

Lt. General Amarjeet Singh Bedi emphasized no Naga group has immunity for taxation or public threats under ceasefire agreements. Five Naga groups have signed these agreements to ensure peace and political progress. Provided facilities are strictly for administrative purposes, not to inconvenience the public or conduct unlawful activities.

Lt. General Amarjeet Singh Bedi, chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, clarified that the ceasefire agreements do not offer any Naga group immunity for taxation or threatening the public.

The Centre has entered into ceasefire agreements with five Naga groups: NSCN (IM) in 1997, NSCN (Unification) in 2012, NSCN (Reformation) in 2015, NSCN-K (Khango) in 2019, and NSCN-K (Nikki) in 2021. Out of the 24 Naga underground groups, these five have agreed to a truce.

Bedi emphasized that the provisions are meant to foster peace and enable political discussions in a trustful and respectful atmosphere. Provided facilities, such as designated camps and ceasefire identity cards, are purely for administrative purposes, ensuring the smooth continuation of the ceasefire. These do not permit any group to engage in unlawful activities or violate the ground rules.

(With inputs from agencies.)