Imphal: The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) on Monday denied any involvement in the ambush on an Assam Rifles team in Manipur’s Ukhrul district that killed two personnel, saying it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement and the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process.
In a statement, the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN), the political wing of the NSCN-IM, rejected allegations linking the outfit’s purported “Eastern Flank” to the July 6 attack at Nungshang Kong.
“There exists no Eastern Flank in the Naga Army,” the statement said, adding that the organisation had no knowledge of or involvement in the incident.
The GPRN/NSCN said the attack was carried out by a suspected breakaway faction and reiterated that it would not undertake any action that could undermine the ongoing political negotiations between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India.
Reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire agreement, the organisation urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and safeguard the progress made towards a peaceful and honourable political settlement.
Two personnel of the 40 Assam Rifles were killed in the ambush near Nungshang Kong in Ukhrul district earlier on Monday, prompting a search operation by security forces. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.