Eastern Flank alleges ‘highest-level’ order; GHQ denies, orders investigation
Tensions flared in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Sunday evening after an angry mob set fire to the Wung Tangkhul Region Secretariat of the NSCN-IM, hours after four cadres of its Eastern Flank were killed in a disputed shootout near the Indo-Myanmar border.
According to sources, a large crowd gathered in Ukhrul town before torching the office, reflecting deepening public anger in the aftermath of the killings.
The incident took place on the night of March 28 between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm at Hongbei village junction. Four cadres were killed on the spot, while two others reportedly escaped.
The developments have revealed sharp contradictions within the NSCN-IM.
In a statement issued earlier in the day, the GPRN (Eastern Flank) said the cadres were shot dead in what it described as an ambush led by 2nd Lieutenant Mathotmi of Shihai Khunou village.
“We are deeply saddened by the demise of four of our cadres… shot on the spot,” the statement said.
The Eastern Flank further alleged that the firing was not a localized decision.
“Such an order to shoot at our own cadres cannot be from a mere 2nd Lieutenant,” it said. “The order must come from the highest level, Collective Leadership or the Longvibu.”
The deceased were identified as Major Sochipem Phungshok (Marao village), Sergeant Major Zairei Vasah (Halang village), Corporal Bahnlei Ahlahpya (Kaishan Boklum, Eastern Nagaland), and Sergeant Thansomi Vashi (Mapao village).
However, the NSCN-IM (GHQ) has categorically rejected the allegation. In a separate press statement, it said, “No such order was given from General Headquarters to strike or go offensive against any groups/factions at this critical juncture.”
Calling the incident “tragic,” the GHQ said an investigation is underway to establish the facts and circumstances, and assured that those responsible would be dealt with as per its regulations.
As news of the killings spread, anger spilled onto the streets in Ukhrul, culminating in the burning of the NSCN-IM Wung Tangkhul Region Secretariat on Sunday evening.
