DIMAPUR, Oct 26 - Terming the allegation of Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Sngh and his deputy Gaikhangam that it ambushed the CM�s chopper at Ukhrul in Manipur on October 24 as �false�, the NSCN-IM claimed that it is �completely clean� on this issue and has nothing to do with Ibobi�s �stage-managed ambush�.
Giving the sequence of events, the NSCN-IM, in a release, said security was beefed up prior to October 15 as Ibobi was scheduled to inaugurate the incomplete development projects in Ukhrul on October 24 at Ukhrul. �This was aimed at boosting his dwindling image as the election is round the corner,� it said.
The NSCN-IM said, the Tangkhul Naga apex body, Tangkhul Naga Long, declared a boycott of Ibobi�s visit to Ukhrul for his �anti-Naga� and �anti-tribal mentality, attitude and policies�.
The NSCN-IM further said heeding the call of the Tangkhul Naga Long, the entire denizens of Ukhrul district extended non-cooperation with Ibobi. It said the entire areas of the hospital to be inaugurated was cordoned off and sanitised prior to October 15 till the day of his arrival with tiers of security forces where even a rat could not penetrate.
�How come an explosion took place inside the venue?� the NSCN-IM sought to know. There was no chance for other external forces to do it except from within resulting in injury to one IRB personnel, it maintained.
The NSCN-IM further said when Ibobi landed at Bakshi ground the whole town was deserted. For reasons best known to him, he could not even set foot on the ground and was confined in the helicopter before taking off again after a few minutes, it said.
It also said right after he took off, the security commander shouted urgently to all the security forces positioned around the ground to go inside immediately and then six rounds of AK 47 were fired resulting in injury to one Manipur Rifles jawan.
The NSCN-IM has advised Ibobi to go through video clipping of his take off by chopper and how the shooting took place inside the hall to clear up his mind.
�Ibobi should learn to take responsibility for his failure and not blame NSCN for all his failures,� it added.
