\nAs reported, a firing incident took place between NSCN (I-M) cadres and 23 Assam Rifles personnel at Sakok village under Phungyar police station limits, Ukhrul district on August 12.
\nThe MIP of the NSCN\/GPRN stated that the incident occurred when around 30 of its Naga Army were sent to Lairam Phungka, Ukhrul district , on receiving report that Manipur valley based armed cadres (UNLF and PREPAK) were camping at the village. The NSCN(I-M) Naga Army were on their way to Lairam Phungka as the \u201c life and property of the innocent villagers and people of the surrounding areas\u201d were in danger due to the presence and rampant harassment created by the Manipur valley based armed cadres, it said.
\nHowever, while on the way, the NSCN(I-M)Naga Army was waylaid at Sakok village by the Assam Rifles, who \u201cwithout any provocation\u201d opened indiscriminate firing and bombing. It maintained that 23 Assam Rifles was well aware of the presence of valley based armed cadres in that area.
\nThe MIP said its cadres had never intended to confront the Assam Rifles, being well aware of the cease fire with the government of India and had therefore attempted to escape with utmost restraint. However, it said , as a result of the firing, one Naga Army \u201cSgt. Maj.\u201d Simon of Kota village received serious bullet injury but later died in the custody of Assam Rifles.
\nThe MIP release said late Simon was \u201ctortured to death beyond human endurance\u201d and that after his death and \u201cagainst any humanity\u201d, the Assam Rifles fired at the dead body.
\nFurther, the MIP\/GPRN stated that all roads leading to the spot, were sealed off and all activities of public in that area were completely halted by AR. It said when civil societies and NGOs had wanted to inquire for verification of the incident and casualties, they were stopped by the Assam Rifles at Shangshak gate.
\nThe NSCN (I-M) also accused Assam Rifle of bringing in one \u201cmask-man (Spotter)\u201d in another incident, while raiding Wung-Tangkhul Region office located at Ukhrul district Headquarters, on the same day after the incident.
\nThe NSCN(I-M) said it seriously questioned the \u201cintention of the Government of India for unwarranted action of Assam Rifles\u201d and the use of a masked man, which was against cease-fire ground rules. However, it said that such \u201cperipheral incidents\u201d should not be a condition for obstacle in building mutual understating and respecting ceasefire ground rules. The NSCN(I-M) also pointed out that \u201cblatant action\u201d of armed forces should not be a hindrance in finding solution of Indo- Naga conflict.
\nMeanwhile, the NSCN\/GPRN has expressed grief and pain over the \u201cinhuman murder\u201d and death of \u201cSgt. Maj.\u201d Simon \u201cwho boldly laid down his precious life for the cause of the Nation in the hands of the brutal and barbaric Indian army.\u201d
\nThe NSCN (I-M) also conveyed its heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family and prayed Almighty God grant eternal peace and rest to the departed soul. It asserted that his \u201cextinguished service\u201d rendered for the cause of Nation would be cherished and remain afresh in the history of Naga national movement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"