Apex tribal council Naga Hoho today questioned the Centre's sincerity on its assurance to replace Manipur police with central paramilitary at Mao gate on the inter-state border to instill confidence among the Naga villagers so that they could return to their home in Manipur.

"We strongly believe that the displaced persons will not hesitate to return home as and when the Centre fully implements its commitment in the interest of both Nagaland and Manipur. The curfew, which has been partially lifted in Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, should be totally removed for free and easy passage of the displaced people," Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo said in a statement here.

Manipur police are still at Mao town, an entry point to Manipur, despite Union Home Secretary G K Pillai's assurance that central paramilitary personnel would be deployed in the affected areas.

Around 500 Nagas from Mao and its adjoining villages had fled to Nagaland on May 6 following a police action on demonstrators protesting Manipur's decision to prevent NSCN (I-M) leader T Muivah from entering the state. Two students were killed and around 80 injured in the police action.

The Naga villagers are scared to return because of the excesses committed by Manipur commandos and IRB personnel, Kiewhuo said.