NSCN (I-M) Eastern Flank demands probe report on killings

NSCN (I-M) Eastern Flank has alleged continued aggression against Nagas in Southern Nagalim and demanded that an inquiry report into the killing of its cadres be made public.
In a statement, the group claimed that Kukis had been gradually occupying Naga areas since the nineteenth century and alleged involvement of the Government of India in suppressing the Naga political movement. It further alleged that the aggression, particularly in Southern Nagalim, was aimed at carving out a Kuki homeland, which it claimed was being reinforced by Indian authorities.
Stating that such developments posed a direct threat to the Naga political movement and identity, the Eastern Flank said its cadres were dispatched on a mission in defence of the “national cause”.
The group alleged that on the night of March 28, four of its cadres were gunned down at Hongbei village by ‘lieut.’ Starling and ‘2nd lieut.’ Mathotmi Shimray of NSCN/GPRN. It described the incident as inhuman and said the sacrifice of the cadres would not be forgotten.
According to the statement, the director of PIB, Naga Army, NSCN/GPRN had on March 29 assured that those responsible would be penalised as per NARR.
It further stated that the Yaruiwo on March 30 constituted a six-member inquiry committee, comprising members of the collective leadership, a kilonser and a secretary, and directed submission of the report by April 10.
However, the Eastern Flank alleged that despite directives from the “highest authority”, no outcome of the inquiry had been made public so far. It termed the delay “highly questionable” and expressed suspicion over the handling of the case.
Demanding transparency, the group called for the inquiry report to be made public and sought disclosure of those who allegedly ordered the action. It also demanded that those responsible be awarded the “highest penalty”.
The Eastern Flank warned that failure to clarify the matter and deliver justice could lead to “irreversible consequences”, for which it said the responsibility would lie with the concerned authorities.