Riha ambush : IM stops short of admitting involvement, dubs MLA a traitor
NSCN launches stinging verbal attack, warns
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 19 2011: Without specifically mentioning the Riha ambush or directly admitting its involvement, the NSCN-IM has launched a scathing verbal attack on MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing, accusing him of betraying the Nagas.

In a press release issued by its ministry of information and publicity, the NSCN-IM said, "Wungnaoshang has been playing around dangerously with fire for too long.

"No man who defies the wishes of the people, betrays his own commitments, sold out the rights and future of the people and also challenge the authority of the Nation shall go unpunished", the outfit said.

It recalled that Wungnaoshang Keishing made an undertaking with the UNC at Tungam, Senapati in March 2007 not to go against the people's interest and decision failing which befitting necessary action may be taken.

Based on the decision of the Naga People's Convention, all the Naga MLAs of Manipur State were recalled in view of the alleged communal policies and stand of the Meitei dominant State Government towards the Nagas in particular and the hill people in general.

W Keishing : In the line of fire

Following imposition of Manipur District Council elections in 2010 against the wishes of the people, the May firing incidents at Mao Gate and Ukhrul during peaceful and democratic rallies, and responding to the call of the people, the MLAs including Wungnaoshang Keishing tendered their resignations on May 6 .

Since then, he ceased to represent the people, the outfit asserted.

But Wungnaoshang betrayed the trust of the people and his own commitment by conniving with Chief Minister O Ibobi and went back on his words.

He has been deliberately acting as a people's representative in the stolen name of the people.

The MLA has also been working hand in glove with Ibobi Government's policy of disintegrating Naga territories by creating a new cosmopolitan district with an intention to legalise plantation of Meitei population in Naga areas through the proposed creation of the new district.

But this is contradictory to the issue of Naga integration, NSCN-IM asserted.

Alleging that Wungnaoshang Keishing has a treacherous mindset of an opportunist traitor, it accused the MLA of patronizing and nurturing anti people armed groups such as United Naga People's Council (UNPC) and Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) and valley-based armed groups to fight against his own people, undermining the cause of the Naga Nation.

Unless Wungnaoshang realises his mistakes and mend his ways, he can never run away from the judgement of the people.

Similar fate awaits all others who tread the same road as he does, the outfit warned.

"However, we regret for the unfortunate victims who lost their precious lives in the cross-fire", it conveyed.

Altogether eight persons including six security personnel detailed for escort duty for the MLA were killed in the clinically executed ambush though the MLA managed to escape unhurt.