The NSCN (IM) has backed an impartial NIA probe into the killing of three church leaders but rejected claims that one of its cadres was involved
BY PC Bureau
The NSCN (IM) has denied any involvement in the May 13 killing of three Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, after social media posts alleged that members of the Naga outfit were behind the ambush.
“No NSCN cadres or hands were involved in that tragic incident in any manner whatsoever,” the organisation said in a press release.
The NSCN (IM) said it had neither knowledge of nor any connection with the attack and alleged that the accusations were an attempt by “vested interests” to disturb the fragile peace, divert the official investigation and create communal tensions.
The denial came after the name of Chekneichung Chiru alias Achung Chiru, arrested a day earlier, figured in posts circulated by some Kuki social media handles as an alleged NSCN (IM) cadre involved in the killings.
In a statement posted on Saturday, Manipur Police said a combined team of Imphal West commandos and security forces conducted a search operation on October 2 at Chingmeirong Tangkhul Avenue under Lamphel police station and arrested “one member of NSCN (IM)”, identified as MS Chekneichung Chiru alias Achung Chiru, 42, son of late MS Rituising Chiru of Bungte Chiru in Kangpokpi district.
Police said Rs 1.5 lakh in cash was recovered from his possession. The police statement did not, however, accuse him of involvement in the May 13 ambush or link his arrest to the killing of the three church leaders.
The three TBAI leaders — Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou — were killed in an ambush near Kotzim on May 13. Following the killings, allegations circulated on social media, particularly through some Kuki accounts, claiming that NSCN (IM) cadres were involved.
The NSCN (IM) rejected those allegations as “baseless, malicious and fabricated”.
The organisation also specifically denied that Chekneichung Chiru alias Achung was a member of its ranks, describing the reference to him as “entirely fictitious, uncalled for and defamatory”.
The NSCN (IM) said it stood with the bereaved families and the wider Christian community and welcomed the National Investigation Agency’s takeover of the case. It expressed support for a transparent, impartial and thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The organisation also urged the public, media organisations and social media users to verify information before circulating unsubstantiated claims. It accused its detractors of attempting to malign its image through what it called fake news and said it reserved the right to respond with “all necessary measures”.
