Imphal, October 24 2008: Claiming responsibility for burning down the passenger bus bearing registration no.MN-01/1664 belonging to Imphal Airbus Travels at Karbi-Anglong district of Assam last night that led to the death of two passengers, information and publicity secretary of KLO/KLA Malsawn Kuki today said that it was the handiwork of Eagle Claws unit of the outfit.

Explaining the reason for committing the act of arson, Malsawn Kuki said that KLO/KLA had asked the Inter-State Bus Owners' Association to pay annual taxes as it is being paid to other outfits, but the Association refused to pay the tax at the instigation of one man identified as Romeo who works at Airbus Travel.

Romeo also disclosed the mobile no.to the State forces.

Asking other bus owners to pay the tax, Malsawn Kuki also warned of the same consequences to them as well and said that the Association should aware that KLO/KLA operates not only in Manipur but also in rest of the North Eastern States unlike other Kuki outfits.

Furthermore, Malsawn Kuki said that death of two persons in the last night's incident was not intentional but accidental.

Asking forgiveness of the bereaved families, Malsawn Kuki said KLO/KLA pays homage to the departed souls and expressed re'gret over the inconveniences caused to other passengers.