Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 02:
Claiming responsibility for the December 31 attack at Oinam bazar in which IGP (Intl) T Thangthuam and his escort commander Khanjam were killed, the proscribed RPF today said that the ambush was actually planned for Indian security force.
In a statement, the outfit explained that the attack was carried out as the IGP and his escort party came to the place where the ambush was being planned.
The RPF and its armed wing the PLA have been avoiding engaging the State police and Manipur Rifles to any encounter for the last few years, but such attack may become necessary in the course of the fight against the Indian security force, said the statement.
As such the December 31 attack should be taken as a warning by the State police and MR.To avoid such unfortunate attacks, the State police should start chalking out a strategy to escape such attack, said the outfit and urged the State forces and the people of Manipur working in the Indian security force to think over the matter and see how to avoid any clash with the armed groups and to take extra care while moving around and discharging their duties.
However the successful attack on the convoy has demonstrated the military excellence of the PLA cadres, said the statement and added that this will serve as the new method for carrying out guerilla warfare.
Despite the fact that the attack was a part of the fight between two armed groups, the RPF shares the pain and grief of the bereaved family members, said the statement.
The Oinam incident was unfortunate, admitted the outfit and added that the attack should not be misconstrued as an attack on the sons of Manipur.