False report without proper research, says Seram Mantosh
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 27 2018:
Seram Mantosh has claimed that a false and baseless report published by a news magazine, The Week, has tarnished his reputation apart from affecting his life and career.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Mantosh of Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai said that the November 24th issue of The Week carried a cover story titled 'A convert in exile: NSCN (K)'s new chief, Yung Aung, is a Meitei turned Naga nationalist' by Rabi Banerjee and claimed that his name has been misquoted in the report.
Demanding immediate clarification and apology, he said that necessary legal actions will be taken up and added that a letter has been sent to the publisher as well.
Pointing out that he has properly read the report, Mantosh claimed that Rabi Banerjee cooked up and concocted the false story without any proper research and investigation.
He mentioned that he and Rabi are not acquainted in any way and he has never met or talked with him (Rabi).
Mantosh continued that in the third paragraph of the report/story, it is claimed that he (Mantosh) is the younger brother of NSCN (K) chief Yung Aung (Thoiba), and clarified that the claim is false.
Pointing out that he has six siblings, Mantosh said that he and Thoiba are not blood relatives and added that the contents of the report reek of a conspiracy.
On the other hand, speaking to media persons, one Nongmeikapam Meiraba clarified that Thoiba used to stay at their residence and grew up with them but explained that Thoiba was not blood related.
I am the only son and Thoiba is a true Naga, Meiraba said.
He narrated that his late father, Nongmeikapam Sanajaoba.
brought Thoiba to their home when he was still a child and his (Meiraba) mother, Anuradha, welcomed Thoiba with open arms like her own son.
But he left home during 1995-96, Meiraba claimed.
On the other hand, the cover photo published in The Week is also a family possession.
No permission was sought for taking the photo, he said expressing suspicion that the photo might have been downloaded from his Facebook page.
Meiraba continued that in the past, Central and State intelligence agencies might have been aware of his family and said that currently, his family is living a peaceful and quiet life.
If Rabi wants to know the truth, he can come to me personally.
Mantosh and I are neighbours, he added.
The baseless and concocted story published by The Week has not only inconvenienced the families but also has the potential to create tension between different communities.
As such, Meiraba mentioned that he has made necessary preparations to take up legal action against those responsible and added that a letter has been sent to the publisher as well regarding the matter.
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