Assam Rifles soldiers detained, later released by NSCN (IM) cadres in Nagaland forest

A purported video of the incident showed a discussion between the two sides in which the paramilitary personnel claimed that they had lost their way. However, to the ceasefire agreement, the Assam Rifles patrolling team leader decided to disengage his troops and ensured that the incident did not escalate, the source said.

Guwahati: At least 31 Assam Rifles troops were released on Friday after they were kept detained by the Naga separatist group NSCN IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland). The incident occurred after the team, which belongs to the 25th battalion of the Assam Rifles operating under the aegis of HQ Inspectorate General Assam Rifles (N) in Nagaland, was accused by NSCM cadre of entering an area that was under the control of the latter group.

A purported video from the spot, meanwhile, shows a conversation taking place between the two sides. The clip displays an Assam Rifle soldier seeking out the leader of the NSCM cadres present at the spot, before explaining they lost their way while returning after a regular patrolling in the area.

The incident occurred near Jalukie, a town situated in the Peren district of Nagaland. It has been learned that the confrontation between the two sides did not escalate any further, and lasted about 40 minutes. According to the ceasefire agreement, the Assam Rifles patrolling team leader decided to disengage his troops and ensured that the incident did not escalate, said reports.

A framework agreement has been signed between the Centre and the NSCN IM in 2015 to find a peaceful way forward to address issues persisting in Nagaland. The agreement came after more than 80 rounds of talks since the ceasefire pact was sealed in 1997, which was preceded by decades of insurgency in the state which started right after India's independence back in 1947.