Imphal, December 26: Giving its version with regard to the clash with cadres of the KNF (P) at Keithelmanbi on December 22 in which two PLA cadres were killed, the RPF in a statement said that the PLA cadres were heading towards Keithelmanbi side for some work.

As the PLA cadres received information that some KNF (P) cadres were present in the vicinity, the PLA men contacted them through an RT Set.

During the conversation over the set, the KNF (P) cadres said that they would like to meet them in the night.

To this the PLA men replied that it would be better to meet in the morning.

This prompted the KNF (P) men to use unparliamentary language and asked, "Do you have any ties with the NSCN ?," said the statement added that the KNF (P) then said "If you were from the UNLF or the KYKL, we would have shot you, but since you are from the PLA we will not do anything".

The PLA cadres replied that their enemy is the Indian security force and the RPF does not have any other enemy.

After this, the KNF (P) said that everything is then fine and the conversation ended.

The PLA cadres then moved towards Keihao for some work, said the statement and added that as the PLA men approached a bridge in between Keihao and Keithelmanbi, the KNF (P) cadres who were already lying in wait started opening fire.

The PLA cadres also retaliated and in the gun fight two members of the PLA, Sgt Chingkhei and Pvt Max suffered fatal injuries and passed away.

One AK 56 rifle and one N-79 Launcher were taken away by the KNF (P) cadres.

The statement further said that during an ROP exercise the next morning, the PLA men came across an injured KNF (P) man, identified as Lalenphang.

According to the version of Lalenphang, the first shot from their side was fired by one Stephen, said the statement and added that he also disclosed that all the KNF (P) cadres involved in the gun fight were high on alcohol and ganja.

Lalenphang also disclosed that four KNF (P) cadres were killed in the shoot out while another three were injured.

The statement further said that the 28 Meitei people held captive by the KNF (P) at Motlom and Bungmual were freed after the PLA contacted the leaders of the KNF (P) and after assuring that the injured cadre has been set free.

Coming down harshly on the statement issued by the information secretary of the KNF LH Stephen after the incident, RPF said that it was nothing but a concoction aimed at spreading communal riots.

Till today, the RPF has viewed all the Kukis as brethren and that is precisely the reason why it does not view the KNF (P) as an enemy.

However if such an incident is repeated by the KNF (P), then RPF may be forced to review its stand, said the statement.

Commenting that there are some elements who are bent on taking credit for anything, the statement said that the people who were held captive by the KNF (P) were not rescued by anyone.

They were released on goodwill after the RPF talked with the leaders of the KNF (P).

If there are any matter related to the RPF, then it would be settled by the outfit itself, asserted the statement and urged the people to be wary of all those who spread false propaganda.

The outfit has also paid revolutionary salutes to the two slain cadres of the PLA while extolling their commitment to the cause of the party.

It also shared the grief and pain of the bereaved families.

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