Dimapur, Jan 22 (MExN): The Konyak Union and Konyak Students Union has issued a clarification in response to the press statement of Tongmeth Wangnao, Education Kilonser of the NSCN (I-M) regard to the recent killing on two Nagas youths vis-à-vis relations between the Konyak and Tangkhul communities. The two have made it clear that no civilian casualty from factional issues would be tolerated.
A statement issued by Konyak Union President Tingnyei and President of Konyak Students’ Union Manpong highlighted that at no point of time Konyaks and Tangkhuls were enemies neither in the past or present nor will be in the future. Any assumption by any group or individual is wrong.
“In regard to the recent killing of two Konyak youths by the NSCN (I-M) cadres, we truly declare that they are innocent civilians to which the workshop owners, Police, etc can verify” the statement pointed out. The statement however, made it clear that no civilian casualty under the pretext of factional issues would be tolerated. “We would want to make the point clear that killing of innocent people under the pretext of factional issue will never be tolerated. That we demand justice for all the crimes committed particularly against innocent Konyak civilians in the past and the union will strive till justice is delivered on time” it stated.
The Konyak organizations advised that Tongmeth does not go to press without “knowing the sentiments of the people and the clarification should be given by the killers, not by Tongmeth.”
Referring to the NSCN-IM Kilonser mentioning that the two youths were NSCN (K) cadres, the statement pointed out that the proprietor/owner of NK workshop and mentor of the slain youth as well as Chingkao Chingnyu village can also give clarifications that the 2 youths were civilians and innocent boys. They were never involved in any factions and the entire Konyaks “mean it in the name of God” it added.
