Kohima, July 30 (MExN): Apropos the alleged raid carried out by Assam Rifles on July 26 at the residence of Gen TM Rhakho, C-in-C, Naga Army, FGN/NNC in Phek, which was condemned by the Working Committee of NNPGs in a statement published on July 30, the Assam Rifles have denied the allegations made in the statement and issued “factual position” on the alleged raid.
A rejoinder from Maj L Vincent Patton, PRO, HQ IGAR (N) issued today recounted that on July 26, specific information was received about presence of suspected “UG cadres” in Phek Town.
“There was also indication of this group moving to Kohima to carry out a spectacular attack against the security forces. Based on this information, a column moved from Phek Battalion of Assam Rifles, to the intended area. However, on final confirmation prior to launch of operations, it was established that the input received was not reliable and was likely to be false,” it stated.
Accordingly, the PRO said, the column thereafter returned without any search/entry to any house/premises. He reiterated that the Assam Rifles personnel did not enter the house of Rhakho.
The allegations leveled in the statement are “malicious and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of Assam Rifles,” the rejoinder asserted.
Maintaining that Assam Rifles abide by the spirit of Ceasefire and uphold Human Rights, it said, the AR conduct all operations “treating people with respect and continues to follow its motto of being ‘Friends of the North East People’.”
NTC appeals to avoid any provocative action
In light of the allegation of the raid by Assam Rifles, Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) today appealed to all concerned to give due importance to the ongoing political process and avoid any provocative action under any circumstances which may jeopardize the peaceful atmosphere for smooth conduct of peaceful talk.
In a statement issued by its Media Cell, NTC pointed out that the victim belongs to a political group which has been part of the ongoing political negotiation with Government of India under the atmosphere of ceasefire.
“As any other segment, this group too has commitment for bringing about sustainable peace through mutual negotiation between the two entities. This process of political negotiation is in the interest of both the Nagas and the country. This being the situation, the ongoing negotiation deserves everybody’s cooperation for peace and tranquility,” the NTC statement added.
