DIMAPUR — The
NSCN/GPRN has termed the allegations made by the Committee on Tribal Unity
(CoTU) that some proscribed Tangkhul militants stationed in the Tangkhul
Hundung area waylaid six unarmed Kuki-Zo volunteers, physically assaulted them,
and seized their vehicles, including personal belongings, as
"misleading".
Reacting to the allegations, the NSCN (IM) claimed that on
January 17, the Naga Army stationed at Tangkhul Hundung, Ukhrul, stopped a
Maruti Gypsy that had come from the Litan side for routine checking.
According to the group, the six occupants of the vehicle
initially claimed to be civilians. However, when the vehicle was thoroughly
checked, they were found to be armed, with an AK-47 rifle hidden in the
vehicle. Four of them were identified as Kuki militants. Along with the AK-47,
military equipment, including 15 pouches, was also found.
Upon further interrogation, they confessed that they were
heading to Molham Kuki village camp. They admitted to having breached the
standing directives of the Tangkhul Naga Long, which prohibits outsiders from
moving around with arms and military uniforms.
The six individuals, having agreed to abide by the agreement
with the Tangkhul Naga Long in the future, were released in good faith. Their
names are Seingam Luphao, Menlal, Goulen, Lhengoumang, Louma, and Mangzou.
It said that the "misleading statement issued by the
Committee on Tribal Unity" is regretted, as it is not based on the ground
reality and is simply one-sided and provocative.
The CoTU had earlier said in a statement issued on January
17 that “such unprovoked harassment on the Kuki-Zo volunteers by the said
Tangkhul militants of Hundung and Singkap areas and the culprits involved in
the incident must be brought to the concerned within 24 hours,” failing which
any untoward incident arising out of it will be the sole responsibility of
Tangkhul Hundung and Singkap area.
