Wungnaoshang gives his side of the story
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 20 2011: MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing has categorically stated that he had resigned from the post of MLA on moral ground in connection with the unfortunate violent incident that broke out as a consequent of the abortive attempt made by NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah to cross Mao Gate to visit his native Somdal village in Ukhrul district on May 6 last year and his resignation was not issue base.

Talking to mediapersons in connection with the charges levelled against him by NSCN (IM) after the ambush laid on his convoy near Riha village on April 15, MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing said that his resignation was related to the Mao incident but it has nothing to do with the issue of peace talks undertaken between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India after entering into a ceasefire agreement.

Wungnaoshang asserted that as his resignation letter has not yet been accepted till date, he is still entitled to the salary and other necessary allowances of an MLA.

This indicates that he is still the public leader and elected representative of the people of his Phungyar Assembly Constituency.

The battered Gypsy in which the MLA was travelling

Wungnaoshang said that notwithstanding threats on his life, there would be no question of withdrawing from the demand of upgrading Phungyar Assembly Constituency into a full-fledged revenue district in the interest of bringing about development and the aspiration of the people.

The demand for upgrading Phungyar Assembly Constituency into a full-fledged revenue district is not of recent origin.

It was first raised during a public meeting held at Phungyar sub-divisional headquarters on May 28, 2008, the MLA informed, adding that he would continue to work along with his people with clear understanding of their aspiration.

Stating that involvement of NSCN (IM) in the ambush laid on him and his escort party has been confirmed from its own statement, Wungnaoshang disclosed that there was communication with the NSCN (IM) in the runner up to the last Lok Sabha election.

But after that there has been no communication.

There may be resentment on their part as he had not responded to the invitation from either the NSCN (IM) or the UNC, the MLA added.

He further disclosed that on April 7, he had received a letter signed jointly by president and secretary of UNC with the wordings 'Last intimation' written on it.

The MLA, however, declined to give any comment on the content of the letter.

But simply said that the copies of letter would be forwarded to Union Home Minister and other related authorities.

Refuting the charges of having nexus with United Naga People's Council and Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front as baseless, Wungnaoshang said that he know nothing about these two organisations.