Imphal, December 20 2010: Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) has categorically stated that they will safeguard the state's territorial integrity.

MNRF Commander-in-Chief, Atai Siro interacting with media persons somewhere in Ukhrul district today said that his organization will translate its motto of unity, independence and coexistence (of all communities) into action.

The C-in-C responding to a news report stating that the front's chairman had defected to the NSCN-IM published in a Nagaland newspaper said that AS Phanitphang who was the chairman of the front and finance in charge had recently defected to the NSCN-IM along with his son following knowledge of financial mismanagement.

No MNRF cadre accompanied him when he defected, the leader claimed and stated that the MNRF is still a healthy and strong organisation.

Phanitphang's defection to the NSCN-IM is for his personal benefit, he said.

He also alleged that the NSCN-IM which had once demanded sovereignty followed by integration of Naga inhabited areas is now hankering for a state or an union territory status.

Ultimately the demands will be settled with a 'rehabilitation package' gains for which led Phanitphang to join the NSCN-IM.

On the alleged report of a Vice Chairman of the front, he clarified that the MNRF does not have any Vice Chairman.

The alleged Vice Chairman is nothing but the village chief of Hongpi.

Stating that his front will live and die for the welfare of all communities inhabiting Manipur, he appealed to the people to live together in order to save the territorial integrity of the tiny state.

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