Kohima, April 21: The stand-off between security forces and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) continued for the third day today, creating heightened tension in Nagaland.

All exit points from NSCN (I-M) designated camps continued to be sealed off by security personnel, who patrolled areas surrounding the camps for the second day today, well inside the 1km security buffer specified by the ceasefire ground rules.

The stand-off was triggered by NSCN (I-M)’s “arrest” of five Assam Rifles jawans who had strayed close to the outfit’s council headquarters, Camp Hebron, 35km off Dimapur.

Though the jawans were released the same day following the intervention of the Centre’s representative and chairman of the ceasefire monitoring group, Maj. Gen. N. George, the outfit confiscated their weapons.

Assam Rifles had asked for release of the weapons but the outfit said they needed permission of their leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, who are currently in New Delhi for the next round of peace talks, before making such a move.

The stand-off is also creating problems for civilians as security forces, apart from arresting several top functionaries of the outfit since yesterday, are also allegedly harassing people in different places. The heavy movement of security forces in all Naga-inhabited areas, particularly in Nagaland and Manipur, since yesterday has allegedly sparked a fear psychosis.

According to eyewitnesses, hundreds of security personnel were deployed near Camp Hebron to restrict movement of the inmates. All designated camps within and outside Nagaland have been virtually sealed, making movement difficult for the cadres.

Though Assam Rifles officials could not be reached for their comment, Gen. George said the paramilitary force had violated the truce ground rules by getting too close to Camp Hebron.

Many Naga organisations, including the Naga Hoho, United Naga Council, Naga Students’ Federation and All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, have condemned Assam Rifles’ “provocative manoeuvres”, stating that it was a deliberate attempt to abrogate the 15-year-old truce.

Across the state boundary in Manipur, army and Assam Rifles troops deployed in the hill districts are on full alert and have intensified patrolling activities in the wake of the stand-off in the neighbouring state.

There are reports of troops moving into areas where NSCN (I-M) cadres are present and patrolling has been intensified.

Army spokesperson Col Ajay Choudhury, however, denied that NSCN (I-M) cadres were being surrounded by troops in Manipur. “No such thing is happening in Manipur. There is no Dimapur-like situation here. Troops are carrying out their normal patrolling activities. It is routine patrolling to prevent the cadres from violating ground rules,” Col Choudhury told The Telegraph.

Unofficial reports said troops were deployed around NSCN (I-M) camps in Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel and Senapati districts, where Nagas are the dominant community.