IM denies hand in Haochong killings
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 25 2012: The NSCN-IM has categorically denied involvement of its cadres in the recent Haochong killings.

The recent report that appeared in a section of the local press indicating involvement of NSCN-IM in the killing of three Khaplang boys and two innocent villagers at Haochong village under Tamenglong district was completely false and bereft of factual evidence, contended NSCN-IM in a press statement issued by its MIP.

The incident was the outcome of drinking, quarrelling and fighting for a petty matter.

And such unnecessary and shameful acts of a deceitful group of people should be condemned by all, the outfit asserted.

Taking serious note of such allegation, the NSCN-IM advised Khaplang cadres to properly ascertain the facts before going to the press and refrain from such acts in future.

Cadres of NSCN-K have on a number of occasions seriously been trying the patience of the NSCN-IM.

For instance, on January 2, 2008, while the national workers and the Zeliangrong Elders Peace Brokers Forum (ZEPBF) were in the process of initiating a peaceful environment within Tamenglong district, the Khaplang men attacked the NP Battalion, Naga Army at Buining village under Tamenglong District and on June 21 last, at around 9 pm, Sgt.

Major Athikho Mao was abducted and shot dead in cold blood by the Khaplang boys.

Further, it has also been learnt that defying repeated pleas of the villagers to go away from the village, the Khaplang boys were camping and partying at Haochong village with the so-called ZUF on that fateful day, for reasons best known to them.

Despite all these provocations, the NSCN-IM remains patient to safeguard the Naga peace process, it said.

Khaplang boys or other elements trying to create social and political tensions within Tamenglong district are advised to be careful so as not to create an unwanted situation out of such unwarranted Haochong killings.

"The NSCN-IM once again makes it known to one and all that its cadres have had no hand in the Haochong killings and therefore, urges the Assam Rifles to immediately stop harassing the NSCN-IM cadres and their families in connivance with the Khaplang and ZUF men in Tamenglong district", it said.

The Assam Rifles should remember the bitter days in 'Nagalim' in the past and also remember that they too have families or loved ones, the outfit added.

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