Kohima, Oct 21: Naga rebel group NSCN (IM) has signed a Geneva document, brokered by an International Humanitarian Organisation, banning use of anti-personnel landmines and has appealed to other armed groups of North-East India to follow its lead. NSCN (IM) general secretary, TH Muivah, signed the "Geneva call deed of commitment" on October 17 in a ceremony in the Swiss capital, according to a press release issued by the organisation 'Geneva call' which is pursuing a ban on use of anti-personnel landmines the world over.

The release claimed that the NSCN (IM) became the first armed group in the Indian sub-continent to desist from using anti-personnel landmines. "It is believed that many groups operating in the region use IED (improvised explosive devices) and the NSCN (IM)'s gesture is expected to influence other armed groups to follow its example," the release, issued by the organisation's president Elisabeth Reusse-Decrey, said.

It quoted Muivah as saying, "We NSCN has (sic) never used anti-personnel mines. The slaughtering of innocent people by using anti-personnel mines is a crime against humanity and we are totally against it."

Dr Balkrishna Kurvey, of the Indian campaign on behalf of the 'Geneva call', brokered the discussion between the two parties, the release said. Bureau Report