SIPHRO

Imphal, February 26, 2007: Reacting to the claim of PIB (DW) that one Sgt Maj Khambaton alias Okendro of UNLF was held along with an IED weighing 10 kgs from Churachandpur as published in certain section of media, UNLF has refuted the claim saying that it was a false propaganda aimed at misleading people.

A statement issued by Senior Publicity Officer of the outfit, Ksh Yoiheiba quoting the PIB (DW) statement that Okendro was sent to plant the device near Tuibong predominantly inhabited by Kukis but was nabbed by personnel of 3 AR before the crime could be committed, remarked that the fabricated statement was issued with the ulterior motive to create misunderstanding and hatred among the different communities of the State.

On the other hand, the fact stands that Sgt Maj Okendro had already been expelled from MPA since four months back as per an order from MPA Ghqs after he ran away with a local girl, clarified Yoiheiba.

In fact, Okendro had strayed from the liberation movement, he added.

He compared the tall claim made by PIB (DW) on arresting the renegade to one who claims to have captured a wild elephant while actually he picked up a dead snail.

Yoiheiba asserted that such baseless and manufactured propaganda of security forces can no longer fool the people of the State. On the other hand, the outfit condoled the death of 16 IRB personnel in an ambush undertaken by some armed men on February 24 near Ngariyan village along Old Cachar road even as IRB personnel belong to security forces of the State.

Although it is natural to suffer casualties in the armed conflict for liberation, UNLF, nevertheless, condoled the death of IRB personnel belonging to the State. It also shared the pain and grief being endured by the bereaved families.

Source: The Sangai Express