Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 13:
Referring to the January 9 factional clash at Khordak Ichil, assistant secretary department of publicity and propaganda (PREPAK) denied allegations levelled against the organisiation while detailing the circumstances leading to the bloody gun-fight.
A press statement issued today recalled that the outfit was established on October 9, 1977 under the leadership of Loyataba (Tulachandra) and acknowledged the internal differences cropping up from time to time.
Even as efforts were being made to solve the present crisis, 10 Red Army cadres and a civilian were mowed down at Kumbi Haotak on November 17, 2003 said the statement.
Asserting that due to appeals from the masses and strict adherence to principle of peaceful solution of internal conflict the PREPAK abstained from revenge killing but again had to face the Khordak Ichil skirmishes that resulted in loss of four of its cadres.
On the Khordak clash, the statement elaborated that on the fateful day two motorists were halted by a PREPAK team on normal duty from Laphupat Tera till Khordak Ichil.
The motorist identified himself as a sergeant major of the PLA and was heading to drop the civilian pillion rider at Laphupat Tera.
As darkness descended when the motorist was returning back the Red Army patrol party again halted the lone motorist and inquired about situation while he was coming back to which the motorist informed of coming across some well armed PREPAK and UNLF 'cadres, detailed the statement.
As the patrol party reached the Khordak bridge an armed man standing there was inquired to which group he belongs and upon identifying himself as a PLA member further asked whether he knew the motorist who had just passed by to which the armed man replied in the negative.
To another question whether he (armed man) knew whereabouts of a PLA corporal said to be deputed in that area he pleaded innocence.
Suspecting identity of the armed man the PREPAK sergeant in the patrol team asked for his real identity to which the man opened indiscriminate fire killing four Red Army cadres at the spot.
Asserting that PREPAK suffered only four casualties the assistant secretary demanded clarification on what ground the other faction had claimed five deaths.
Alleging that spreading such false information is the game plan of the faction who would pose as members of PLA or KYKL and thrash people misusing name of UNLF, the statement cautioned the people to stay vigil against such sinister design who are hell bent to not only malign image of underground movement but confuse the general public.