Dimapur, May 2 (MExN): The “GPRN/NSCN” has expressed ‘deep regrets’ over the “action of its men who fatally injured two student activists as a result of mistaken identity”. A note issued by the outfit’s publicity cell stated that the “shooting incident near Breeze Restaurant on 2nd May 2009” was most unfortunate and unwarranted. “GPRN/NSCN regretfully owns the responsibility of the grievous injury caused to Mr. Benito Achumi, Assembly Speaker, All Sumi Students’ Union, son of Khuhoi of Nitoyi Village, Kiphire District and Mr. Atoka Chophy, former president, Kiphire District Sumi Students’ Union, son of Nishito Chophy of Nikiye Village, Kiphire district”, stated the note.
According to the publicity cell note, the incident happened when its cadres “on duty” were informed of the presence of ‘extortionists in the area’. ‘Only two days back, five members extortionist gang was arrested from the same area and taken to the camp’, it asserted. “In obeying the orders, Naga army personnel failed to assess the overall situation and most importantly, the identity of the individuals”, the “GPRN/NSCN” stated while assuring that ‘proper inquiry’ shall be initiated and appropriate ‘disciplinary action’ taken at the earliest.
The “GPRN/NSCN” asserted that it had ‘always strived to be on the “side of the Naga people in any given situation”’ and that it did not serve any purpose to justify the error of judgment resulting in the injury of the two innocent student activists. “To justify every wrong doing is to be on the wrong side of Naga history. This unconditional apology is tendered to the two victims, their families, the students’ community and Naga people as a whole”, the outfit’s publicity cell note stated. It was also hoped that the apology by the “GPRN/NSCN” will ‘elevate the Nagas to a higher ground where there is no room for vengeful instigation.’ It assured all co-operation in the recovery process of the two injured student activists.
.jpg)
