Dimapur, February 11 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has alleged that the recent incident in Litan was a “premeditated arson” carried out by “Kuki militants” with the alleged complicity of Indian security forces, terming it a “grave violation of human rights.”
In a statement issued by its MIP, the NSCN claimed that the narrative presented by certain Kuki frontal organisations regarding the Litan burning was misleading.
As per the statement, the incident reportedly began after a Tangkhul individual was allegedly assaulted by some persons described by the MIP as “Kuki drunkards.”
It alleged that the episode was subsequently used as a pretext by “Kuki militants to target” Tangkhul houses, claiming that security personnel were seen accompanying the militants during the incident.
“It was, therefore, a premeditated arson,” it asserted, further criticizing what it described as attempts by certain Kuki organisations to portray themselves as victims and to attribute responsibility to the Tangkhuls and the NSCN.
Referring specifically to a communication reportedly sent by the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) to the Prime Minister of India, the NSCN (IM) dismissed the claims made therein and reiterated its position that the incident represented a breakdown of law and order.
The NSCN characterised the Litan episode as an act of aggression against the Tangkhul Nagas and stated that it would “stand its ground” to defend what it described as the political and territorial rights of the Naga people.
There was no immediate response from the security forces or the organisations named in the statement at the time of filing this report.
