DIMAPUR, JAN 8 (MExN): In hard-hitting rejoinder made available today, the Public Forum Pungro and the GBs Association Pungro Area categorically dismissed earlier statements made by Tikhir Tribal Council President, Khiapong.
The Pungro bodies said “it is confirmed” that the Tikhir Area Centre Administered (TACA) workers, the ‘Tikhir armed outfit (Limitsong)’ and the public of Kiusam Area, who were dressed in camouflage, were directly involved in the Shamator firing incident on January 1, resulting in the death of an STF personnel. The above statement is in reply to Khiapong’s allegation towards various government officials, namely MLA Torechu, Head DB Tsikilu, DB Luthong and Supervisor Shenlithong, besides various factional cadres, viz: Tsulimthong, Yapmiuli Leacy, Alo of NSCN-IM and Yimto, Deputy Kilonser of NSCN-K.
Terming the report of attack on Bokhpur Village as ‘totally baseless’, the organizations said the assault at Kiusam which resulted in the burning down of 18 houses was carried out “not on Tikhir’s home but on the terrorist Limitsong camp.” The attack, according to the rejoinder, was carried out by the entire public of Pungro Area “including Mimi range, Thanamir and Fakim, where they (Limitsong) retaliated with sophisticated weapons.”
“Despite the claim that the NSCN-IM leaders were involved, the 6 central member NSCN-IM Goodwill Team for peace mission led by the Deputy Kilonser(Home) reached Pungro Town on 4th January and sought the words of peace and left on 6th January.”
The rejoinder further stated that while the leaders of Pungro Town are doing their best to normalize the situation, Khiapong, “an immature leader,” is inviting the wiping out of the “so-called Tikhir-armed-outfit Limitsong.”
