KOHIMA: The NSCN (I-M) on Wednesday termed that their involvement in the ambush on Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s chopper on October 24 at Ukhrul “a false allegation”.
Narrating the sequence, Ministry of Information and Publicity of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) said, Ibobi Singh was to inaugurate the development projects in Ukhrul on October 15 to boost his government’s dwindling image on the eve of election. Security was therefore beefed up prior to the tour especially in the venues..
The statement maintained alleged that Ibobi Singh had “done so much damage to the Naga people and tribal in general in Manipur” and cited three ‘anti-tribal’ bills which resulted in the loss of nine innocent tribal lives at Churachandpur. It also alleged that the CM opposed the solution of the Nagas and the 1997 ceasefire between the Central forces and NSCN and advocating war at Naga areas, totally opposed the home visit of chief negotiator of the Naga people in the “Indo-Naga political talks” and general secretary Muivah to his native village.
It was said that Tangkhul Naga Long declared boycott of Ibobi Singh’s visit to Ukhrul because of his “anti-Naga and anti-tribal mentality, attitude and policies” adding that such a man did not deserve to set foot on Naga soil.
Under such a blanket security by Manipur Rifles, Manipur Commandos, CRPF, Manipur Police and Assam Rifles, there was no chance of other external forces causing injury to any person, it was stated. (UNI)
