NSCN (I-M) Monday denied news report indicating that it was involved in the killing of three NSCN (K) cadres and two villagers at Haochong village, Tamenglong district, Manipur.
In a statement, NSCN (I-M) MIP said the report was “completely false and bereft of factual evidence”.
Taking serious note of such “unfounded and baseless allegation”, MIP statement asked NSCN (K) to properly ascertain facts before going to the press and refrain doing the same in future.
Stating that NSCN (K) cadres, on a number of occasions, had been trying the “patience” of NSCN (I-M), MIP said that on January 2, 2008, while “national workers” and Zeliangrong Elders Peace Brokers Forum (ZEPBF) were in the process of initiating a peaceful environment within Tamenglong district, NSCN (K) cadres attacked the “NP Battalion, Naga Army” at Buining village and on June 21, “sgt. major” Athikho Mao was abducted and shot dead in cold blood by NSCN (K) cadres.
Defying repeated pleas to go away from the village, MIP stated NSCN (K) cadres were “camping and partying at Haochong village with the so-called ZUF on that fateful day”.
Asserting that despite the provocations, NSCN (I-M) remained patient to safeguard the “peace process”, MIP asked NSCN (K) cadres or “other elements” to be careful so as not to create an unwanted situation out of the Haochong killings.
Stating that the incident was the outcome of “a common habit of madmen fighting and killing out of drinking and quarrelling for a petty matter”, MIP said that such “unnecessary and shameful acts of deceitful group of people” should be condemned by all.
Reiterating that NSCN (I-M) had “no hand in the Haochong killings”, MIP also urged Assam Rifles (AR) to immediately stop harassing the its cadres and their families “in connivance” with NSCN (K) and ZUF in Tamenglong district.
The statement reminded that AR should remember the “bitter days in Nagalim” in the past and also to “remember that they too have families or loved ones”.