Dimapur, January 21 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has claimed that contrary to the reports issued by OIC Media cell of 3 Corps HQ the three arrested persons identified as Purtoshe Ao, Mayur Raijung and Peter Akhum have no connection to gun running business as charged by the Army. An MIP press note stated that Purtoshe Ao is a Lieutenant in the Naga Army of NSCN (IM) and Peter Akhum is a Sergeant, Naga Army, NSCN (IM). Mayur Raijung is a local from the Dimasa community of the area. They were on duty stationed in the area, the MIP stated.
Clarifying on the incident, the MIP note stated that the two Naga Army personnel were on the way to have a bath at the residence of the younger sister of Mayur Raijung when they were accosted by two intelligence personnel, one local and another a non-local. They were then fired upon by the intelligence personnel though the bullets missed them.
“Unbecomingly, Lt. Purtoshi was beaten when he disclosed his identity as Naga Army. Two 9mm Chinese made pistols in their possession are officially issued by the Naga Army authority, one of which was for the purpose of repair. Seven live rounds were loaded and it has been found intact without a single bullet fired”, the MIP note stated and pointed out that “no purpose will be served by charging them as gun runners when the NSCN vouched for their identity”.
