NSCN-IM invokes Milan MoU while rejecting MHA order

DIMAPUR — The NSCN-IM on Wednesday rejected allegations contained in a recent Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) order, denying any involvement in an alleged incident that reportedly involved the destruction of poppy fields, exchange of fire and fatalities.

In a press statement, the NSCN described the government of India's order as "an accusation wrapped in the language of authority" and accused the Centre of making presumptive allegations without presenting evidence.

"By casually attributing a grave and politically charged incident to NSCN, the GoI has once again chosen presumption over proof and narrative over evidence," the organisation stated.

The NSCN-IM categorically denied involvement in the alleged destruction of poppy fields, the exchange of fire, or the deaths referred to in the order.

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It maintained that any attempt to link the organisation to the incident was unsubstantiated and appeared intended to influence public perception before an independent inquiry could be conducted.

Reiterating its political position, the group asserted that it is not a banned organisation under Indian law and referred to the Milan Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government of India on November 18, 2002.

It stated that the agreement was intended to secure peace and dignity for communities affected by decades of conflict and urged the Centre to honour its commitments under the accord.

The NSCN further rejected the contents of the order in its entirety and accused the authorities of attempting to assign blame without proof.

"In a conflict-ridden region, truth must not be sacrificed at the altar of convenience," the statement read.