Mokokchung, February 20 (MExN): Former Home Minister Imkong L Imchen today said that the truth will prevail with regard to the seizure of arms and ammunition and cash from his motorcade on February 18 at Wokha. After being in police custody for 48 hours, Imchen was granted an interim bail for seven days on health grounds today by the District and Sessions Judge, Wokha, Veprasa Nyekha. He will appear before the Judge in Wokha after the seven days.
Imchen who is also the Campaign In-charge for NPF party in Mokokchung admitted that the cash was meant for Mokokchung NPF party election campaign, but asserted that he was not aware of the arms and ammunition that were recovered in his motorcade. He stated that he does not want to blame anyone but “truth shall prevail in the end.”
Speaking with media persons at his private residence here this evening, the former Home Minister said that he had to resign from his post as a mark of respect to the public office he was holding. He also took moral responsibility for the seizure of the arms and ammunition in his motorcade though he confessed that he has “done nothing wrong.” He reiterated that he was unaware of the arms that were being ferried in his vehicle. Imchen declined to comment further on the case since the case is subjudice.
However, he appealed to the Naga people that “the latest incident disturb none but concentrate on free and fair polls so that a popular government can be formed with a popular mandate.” He expressed happiness that thousands of his supporters came up to Alichen to receive him while he was returning from Wokha.
He expressed deep regret that he could not be at Mokokchung to campaign for the NPF party candidates. “I feel sad (that I could not be with them for the campaign). I hope the party (NPF) workers will forgive me and work even harder,” the former Home Minister said.
