Imphal, July 20: Alleging involvement of NSCN (IM) in the destruction of a bridge built over the Irang River in Tamenglong district yesterday night, the NSCN (K) today contended that the ongoing ANSAM agitation is instigated by the IM group.

Speaking to news persons at a Bishnupur district location, a spokesman of the NSCN (K) categorically stated that involvement of IM in the current agitation is getting clearer by the day with the Irang bridge sabotage leaving no room to doubt that ANSAM is merely executing diktats of the IM leaders.

He also insisted that Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, NSCN (IM) and Assam Rifles authorities should be held responsible for the destruction as well as the civilian casualty.

Elaborating on the destruction of the bridge located on the Imphal-Jiribam highway, the spokesman said that civilian was killed and four others including a captain of the IM were injured when the budge caved in.

Stating that the incident took place in between 8-9 pm, he identified the deceased as one Namthiurai Abonmai, (28) of Tamenglong Ward No 4 and working as a motor mechanic at a workshop near his residence.

The injured NSCN (IM) captain has been named as one Abon.

On the modus operandi of the bridge sabotage, the spokesman accused the NSCN (IM) activists and ANSAM volunteers of forcibly taking away Abonmai and gas welding tools in a light motor vehicle and engaging the motor mechanic in the bridge dislocation work.

While the dislocation work was still on the bridge suddenly caved in crushing Namthiurai and injuring four others, claimed the spokesman and condemned the NSCN (IM)/ANSAM attitude of forcing innocent civilians to work in their interest.

The bridge dislocation incident clearly demonstrate involvement of IM hand in the ongoing ANSAM agitation, he alleged and cast doubt on Assam Rifles's assertion of the route being closely monitored with the incident having taken place hardly a few distance from where an AR party was on patrol duty.

As the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had repeatedly reposed faith on Assam Rifles to sanitise the NH-53, the CM is equally responsible for the demise of the civilian, charged the spokesman.

Stating that Zeliangrong people are reeling under the impact of the ANSAM agitation, he questioned the silence maintained by several Zeliangrong bodies especially youth and student organisations while warning of stringent action against individuals and organisations extending support to ANSAM agitation in Zeliangrong areas.

Observing that people in Senapati and Ukhrul districts are unaffected by the ANSAM sponsored economic blockade due to close affinity to Dimapur road and Jessami respectively the NSCN (K) spokesman highlighted suffering of Chandel and Tamenglong district people.

Expressing that Chandel and Tamenglong district people are made the sacrificial lamb whenever issue of Naga unification erupts the spokesman condemned such discriminatory outlook of agitation instigators.