Imphal, September 10, 2009: The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) strongly condemned the gross human rights violation as well as the non-compliance to the SoO ground rules by the 12 Maratha Light Infantry by 'brutally' killing 5 cadres of the KNO/KLA in their infamous 'fake encounter'.

"While the KNO is deeply shocked at the Indian Army's gross disorderliness, disrespect to human rights and more importantly, deliberately breaking of SoO ground rules, which is sheer negation of truth and bravery; its primary concern now is to restore confidence in its relationship with the army, but clearly, the onus does not lie with the KNO," a statement issued by the information and publicity secretary, Lenin H Kuki posited.

Giving details of the incident, the statement pointed out that in compliance to the SoO ground rules, on September 6, the PRO of KNO/KLA Gorrey Kuki obtained permission from Maj.

Akshay and Capt.

Kaushal of 23 Assam Rifles post based at Yaingangpokpi and Litan respectively for 10 cadres of KLA to carry out routine operation near Jaolen, a Kuki village in Ukhrul district.

It stated that, however, on September 7 the CO of 23 AR sent a message to KLA asking them to return to their base camp.

Complying with the CO's message, the KLA cadres mounted a truck (No.NLN 01A-2892) around 5.30 pm and set out towards their base camp.

En route, between Mongkot village and Sangkai village along NH 150, a column of 12 MLI headed by Capt.

Vivek stopped the truck and asked the cadres to dismount and identify themselves.

Lt.Thangkhochon alias Romance Kuki, leader of the KLA patrol unit was blindfolded and interrogated.

Therefore, PRO Gorrey Kuki informed Capt.

Vivek (12 MLI) that they belong to KNO/KLA, who are signatory to SoO and requested him to speak to Capt.

Kaushal (23 AR) over cell phone so that he may be appraised of the prior permission obtained for their routine operation.

Capt.

Vivek (12 MLI) spoke to Capt.

Kaushal (23 AR), but disregarded his response.

Capt Vivek permitted Gorrey to leave on his motorbike, the KNO stated.

The statement further pointed out that Capt.

Vivek ordered to the KLA cadres to lay down their weapons, following which they were severely tortured and shot specifically at their heads.

Four of the cadres and the truck driver died at the spot while five managed to escape unhurt.

In fact Capt.

Vivek of 12 MLI was accompanied in his un-heroic deeds by four persons of the CORE- Intelligence Surveillance Unit viz.

Naik Subedar Rawat, Naik NS Singh, Naik K Chandra, and naik TD Singh.

All of them were travelling in an Alto Car bearing No MN-02 9371, it stated.

"Though reported statements may refer to the incident as 'shoot-out/ encounter', but that would not be acceptable to the KNO, as it would tantamount to negation of truth.

In a situation involving an encounter, it is highly unlikely that the casualties would be that of one party's only," the KNO statement reads.