MTC seeks probe into reported drone strike at Mt Horeb Camp

Dimapur, October 17 (MExN): The Makury Tribal Council (MTC) has condemned an alleged drone attack by the Indian Army inside Naga territory in Myanmar, which reportedly struck Mt Horeb Camp of the NSCN-EF, damaging the camp and injuring two Naga Army personnel.In a statement, the council said the incident had raised serious concerns among the Naga people, particularly residents of surrounding villages, and could affect peace and stability in the region.According to information received from local residents, drones were seen flying from the Indian side at around 12.30 am Myanmar Standard Time on October 11, followed by sounds of bombardment and explosions, the council said.The MTC said the reported attack had caused concern not only because of the injuries and damage but also because of the potential consequences for communities living in the area.Referring to Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, the council said states were required to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, subject to applicable exceptions under international law. It added that military operations across international borders must be assessed in light of relevant legal obligations and the circumstances involved.The council said military actions that endangered civilian lives, created insecurity or exposed neighbouring communities to risk must be treated with utmost seriousness.Expressing concern over what it described as repeated drone attacks in Naga-inhabited areas of Myanmar, the MTC said such incidents, particularly during the early hours, had generated fear and uncertainty among local residents.It opposed actions that, it said, exposed villagers to unnecessary danger and warned that no civilian should have to live under the constant threat of military escalation.The council also called for an end to military operations, the arming of armed groups and other actions that could intensify armed confrontation and threaten the security and peaceful existence of the Naga people.It expressed concern that the reported incident could undermine the role of tribal institutions and community stakeholders working to preserve peace in Naga areas, adding that such actions could lead to wider confrontation.The MTC urged the governments of India and Myanmar, the Indian Army and other concerned authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, establish the facts and clarify why such cross-border military operations were reportedly taking place in Naga-inhabited areas.It also called for measures to prevent a recurrence of cross-border operations that could endanger communities, escalate tensions or threaten civilian lives.The council urged all concerned authorities to respect applicable international law, including the principles of territorial sovereignty and the protection of civilians under relevant international humanitarian and human rights law.It further called for recognition of the role of tribal bodies and civil society in peacebuilding, consultation and conflict prevention, and urged stakeholders to refrain from actions that could intensify armed confrontation.Emphasising the need for peaceful engagement with all relevant stakeholders, the MTC said lasting peace could not be achieved through intimidation, unilateral military action or the creation of fear, but required meaningful dialogue and respect for local communities and their institutions.The council said the safety, dignity and peaceful existence of the Naga people could not be disregarded, adding that its appeal was not for confrontation or war but for responsibility, restraint, justice and respect.