The NSCN-IM and the NSCN-R on Friday denied reports that they demanded a share of Covid-19 funds given to Nagaland by the Centre.
Nagaland School Education adviser KT Sukhalu recently told a Guwahati-based television channel that cadres from 7-8 NSCN factions are demanding shares from Covid funds provided to the State.
The NSCN-IM, in a statement, said it has never demanded any share from COVID funds, as the news report suggested.
“We are in total solidarity with the state government’s fight against the wicked Covid-19,” it said.
The NSCN-IM said it was not involved in any manner that goes against humanity at this particular juncture where “all the Nagas”, irrespective of social and political standing, are expected to fight together.
The NSCN-R too, in a statement, clarified that it was not involved in demanding any share from Covid funds.
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The NSCN-R statement stated that like any other, it is equally concerned with this pandemic threat and also hoping and praying for better times to come.
The NSCN-R said, “…as declared in all leading dailies and publication houses on May 25, all its cadres not to fall short of grace in seeking financial assistances even from patrons, sympathisers or business communities during these trying times, let alone demanding for shares from Covid funds.”
However, it did not rule out that like most times, some unscrupulous elements, both cadres or non-cadres, maybe taking advantage for their personal gain.
If such is the case, specific names (including faction) and other particular details should be disclosed to enable respective factions to probe and to investigate, the NSCN (R) stated.
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“Whatsoever if perchance, any of our cadres are found involved, either directly or indirectly, severe actions of very serious nature will be initiated,” it assured.
The NSCN (R) also advised the responsible persons, groups, sources to verify properly before issuing any ‘unconfirmed or irresponsible or corroded’ statements in public domain and in news media if particular names or factions cannot be provided.