The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has denied any involvement in the ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur’s Ukhrul district that claimed the lives of two personnel, reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire agreement with the Centre and the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the outfit said the attack in the Nungshang Khong area, allegedly carried out by an armed group suspected to be the breakaway “Eastern Flank” faction, had “no connection whatsoever” with the NSCN-IM.
The organisation stated that it was “neither involved in nor had any knowledge” of the incident and reiterated that it continues to honour the ceasefire agreement while adhering to the agreed ground rules.
The NSCN-IM further said it would “never resort to any action that could undermine, derail or sabotage the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiations”, adding that an honourable and peaceful political settlement remains its unwavering commitment.
Condemning actions that could disrupt the peace process, the outfit urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility to ensure that progress towards a negotiated settlement is not jeopardised.
The statement came a day after suspected militants ambushed an Assam Rifles convoy in the Naga-majority Ukhrul district, killing two personnel and injuring several others.
The deceased soldiers were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh. Assam Rifles Director General Vikas Lakhera paid tribute to the two personnel, describing them as having made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Following the attack, security forces launched extensive search operations in the area to trace those responsible, while the Manipur government vowed strict action against the perpetrators.
