NSCN(IM) rebels. (Image for representational purpose only)

The NSCN (IM) accused rival NSCN (Unification) of imparting training to 80 Kukis at its Khehoi Camp near here.

The NSCN (IM) questioned the motive behind giving training to the Kukis when the Nagas are at the threshold of signing the historic agreement to bring lasting peace in Nagalim.

“When the WC of NNPGs decided to go ahead with the economic packages, they should not have gone for some other thing which has nothing to do with the contemporary needs of the Nagas,” the outfit said in a statement.

The NSCN (IM) alleged that Singson from Manipur recruited the Kukis for training.

According to the outfit, the volatile atmosphere in Manipur between the Nagas and Kukis is all because of latter’s claim of Kuki homeland despite their historical refugee status and their opposition to Naga political settlement based on the Framework Agreement.

It also alleged that the Kuki organisations in recent time have been spitting venom against Nagas that Framework Agreement should have nothing to do with areas settled by the Kukis in Manipur.

“Going belligerent, the so-called Kuki National Organization (KNO) has taken the stand to align with the Meiteis who are equally in belligerent mode ready for a showdown if the government of India concedes to the rights of the Nagas,” the NSCN (IM) said.

It added it not difficult to understand the reason behind Khehoi Camp giving training to the Kukis of Manipur.

The NSCN (IM) said it is Singson’s “sinister plan” to send back the recruits to Manipur to join KNO/SoO (Suspension of Operations) to confront the Nagas in pursuit of Kukis’ Territorial Council.

“This act of duplicity by Unification party stands in total contrast to what it claimed to stand for as Naga nationalist organization. Their action is not speaking loud enough to prove their Naga freedom fighter credentials,” it said.

The NSCN (IM) sought to know how a Naga organisation is giving training to Kukis to fight against the Naga people in Manipur.

It said this depravity and hypocrisy cannot be condoned with.

Bhadra Gogoi is Northeast Now Correspondent in Nagaland. He can be reached at: [email protected]