The NSCN-IM has rejected allegations contained in a recent order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, linking the outfit to an incident involving the destruction of poppy fields, an exchange of fire and related deaths.
In a statement, the NSCN-IM termed the allegations baseless and asserted that the order was based on accusations rather than established facts. The group alleged that it had been linked to the incident without sufficient evidence and questioned the basis of the claims made in the order.
The NSCN-IM categorically denied any involvement in the alleged destruction of poppy fields, the exchange of fire or the deaths mentioned in the MHA order. It maintained that any attempt to associate the organisation with the incident was unsubstantiated and could prejudice public opinion before the completion of an impartial inquiry.
The group also stated that it is not a banned organisation under Indian law and referred to the Milan Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on November 18, 2002. It urged the Government of India to honour its commitments under the agreement and pursue a transparent and sincere approach to the peace process.
Reiterating its position, the NSCN-IM rejected the MHA order and called for a fair investigation based on facts and evidence.
