The NSCN (Isak-Muivah) on Thursday has clarified that none of its officials was involved in the alleged harassment meted out to the Imphal valley-based students’ union leaders and artistes at Nungba Bazaar in Tamenglong district of Manipur on Monday evening. The outfit said the GPRN (Government People’s Republic of Nagalim) has nothing to do with the incident and appealed to all for harmony.
The incident happened when some members of All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) and singers were returning to Imphal after attending a function in Assam.
In a release issued by its ministry of information and public relations, the NSCN-IM said it was compelled to issue the clarification in the backdrop of the “unfounded malicious allegation” made by the Meitei student bodies against it.
The release said some unknown miscreants, claiming to be members of the NSCN, were involved in the alleged assault on the student leaders and artistes at Nungba Bazaar in Tamenglong district.
“Such an act of harassment and disturbances given to travelers in Naga territory must be condemned by all and the GPRN with all seriousness will pursue to contain such anti-social elements with all vigour,” the NSCN-IM said.
The release also advised not to hurl allegation against the NSCN on the ground of mere speculation and suspicion.
“Elements desirous of tarnishing the reputation of the NSCN and elements who want to create problems are working day and out, for which we must all be very watchful,” it said.
The release further informed that it had arrested two miscreants found extorting at Nungba in the name of the NSCN at Nungba. During interrogation, they confessed to have looted around 20 trucks, raising suspicion of their involvement in the unfortunate incident at Nungba Bazaar. Their interrogation is going on.
Stating that artistes or students are well respected in Naga community, the NSCN-IM said the same respect and admiration are equally extended to all other people irrespective of community and borders.
On Wednesday, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh said the troopers and police commandos have been rushed to Tamenglong district to arrest the militants of the NSCN-IM for beating up some AMSU members and singers.
AMSU president Manjit Sarangthem said four persons, who identified themselves as cadres of NSCN-IM, intercepted the bus in which the students and singers were travelling in and extorted Rs 500 each from the members, assaulted general secretary S Anil and manhandled some women.