Imphal, Aug 07: Taking a dig at the arrest of three bed-ridden NSCN (K) cadres due to serious physical ailments by about a hundred 38 AR personnel from Keithelmanbi on August 5, NSCN (K) has 'applauded' the achievement of Assam Rifles.

A statement issued by the publicity and information secretary (in-charge) of GPRN, NSCN (K), Zeliangrong Region has castigated the arrest of the sick cadres-Dingdalung Thamei (28) of Khoupum, Abel Kamei (21) of Nungba Mathak and Pautangam (28) of Khonglong village, Keithelmanbi by 38 AR in total disregard of the Supreme Court in this connection.

It termed the conduct of AR as the most uncivilized criminal act.

Asserting that the outfit and the people are well aware that the arrest of sick cadres along with non-functional two M-16 rifles and AK 47 rifles was done to submit a big achievement report to Delhi, it alleged that 38 AR work in collusion with NSCN (IM) cadres in their extortion activities along NH 53. The statement further alleged that the arrest of one NSCN (IM) cadre from Noney recently by 38 AR was a consequence of the failure of NSCN (IM) to give due share of the money extorted from public along NH 53 to 38 AR.

It asserted that the underhand dealings between NSCN (IM) and 38 AR is known to all the commuters along NH 53.Accusing 38 AR of intimidating and victimising innocent civilians together with NSCN (IM) cadres, the statement cited the incident of July 7 in which 38 AR personnel and IM cadres came together to Haochang and Khumdong villages in a Shaktiman before allegedly torturing the innocent civilians in the name of search for NSCN (K) cadres.

On the other hand, it clarified that Kaithulung Kamei (19) of Noney Peaceland is not a cadre of NSCN (K) but a cadre of IM group.

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