Army reviewing SOP for counter-insurgency operations in Northeast

New Delhi: Indian Army has said that it is reviewing the implementation of the amended Standard Operating Procedure for counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast which were put in place following the botched operation in Nagaland in December 2021. 

Army's reaction came after the Ministry of Defence denied sanction to prosecute 30 army personnel allegedly involved in it. 

Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen RP Kalita today told reporters in Guwahati, "It is being closely reviewed on ground zero." 

The Commander further said, "It was an unfortunate incident, an army court of inquiry took place and that has been finalised. Unfortunately, because of the stay order passed by the Supreme Court, the proceedings have been stayed completely." 

"Alongside the inquiry, internally we have analysed the mistakes in that operation and taken a comprehensive review of the conduct of operation in those areas, and whatever necessary amendments had to be done on the SOPs for Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and upper Assam were already put in place. And we are now following up on how the troops are following the amended SOPs to carry out counter-insurgency operations," Lt Gen RP Kalita added.

Welcoming the reduction of areas under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the North East, Lt. Gen Kalita said they are aware that there has been a massive reduction in areas under AFSPA twice recently, and the decision has been taken keeping in mind certain parameters and in a holistic manner. 

"As the situation further improves, more and more places will see AFSPA rollback, and it's a welcome step," he said. 

On the contentious Line of Actual Control, the de-facto border, with China, the Eastern Army chief said that the 'situation is stable'. 

"Along the borders, the situation is stable. Any emerging situations or minor misunderstandings that have come in are being resolved through border talks by established protocols. There are robust methods existing and followed by both sides," he said. 

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