Imphal, March 25 2009: Rejecting the allegations that there are three designated camps of the NSCN (IM) in Manipur, IGAR (South) Maj Gen AK Choudhury has today claimed that there is no such camps in Manipur.

The PRO of the Assam Rifles while talking to The Sangai Express during the height of the stand off between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM) over a camp at Siroy village had stated that three camps of the IM group have been 'taken note of' at Buning in Senapati, Oklong in Tamenglong and Phungchong in Chandel.

The PRO, however, did explain that these are not designated camps adding that they have been there for the past many years before the ceasefire came into force.

Talking to the media during an interaction programme organised at its headquarters at Mantripukhri today, the IG said, "There is no....I repeat....There is no designated IM or K camp in Manipur".

Regarding the 'non-designated' camps, he said, "If locals and State Govt do not have any idea about it, how can I know it.

We gather information from them," he added.

"If we come across any such camps, we will take no time in vacating the cadres," the IGAR (S) responded when queried about the presence of 'any' camp, irrespective of 'designated' or 'non-designated'.

In a confident tone, the IGAR (S) said that Assam Rifles is even ready to take the media to the places where camps are reportedly located to clear any doubts.

Answering to questions on the interference of Kuki UG groups which have come under SoO in the coming Lok Sabha polls, the IGAR (S) said that action will be taken up against those groups which try to break the ceasefire ground rules.

The IG also lauded the State media stating that it has become fully matured and bold enough to become the 'real' fourth estate of democracy.

Today, the State media is able to express its perception without fear of UGs, State Government and Security Forces, he added.

Maintaining that the rate of violence is coming down in the State, Maj Gen Chaudhury said that it would guide the State towards the right direction and will bring a 'change'.

The Major General also urged the media to cover issues in far-flung areas of the State, so that the State Govt can take up corrective measures to develop these areas.

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