The NSCN-IM has denied reports linking Major Wangjan Pangtha to the arrest of two individuals in Arunachal Pradesh by the Assam Rifles’ Lakhipani Battalion.
In a clarification issued on September 11, the NSCN said news reports published and broadcast on September 7 had alleged that the two arrested individuals were working under Pangtha and were involved in recruiting local youths and providing logistical support.
The organisation termed the reports “entirely baseless and unfounded”, stating that Pangtha had been stationed at its General Headquarters for the past 10 months and had never been assigned duties of the nature described in the reports.
“The broadcasted news is misleading, appears to be aimed at tarnishing the reputation of NSCN, and may have been intended to target the officer for personal reasons best known to the originators of such claims,” it said.
The NSCN categorically denied the allegations and said neither Pangtha nor the organisation had any involvement in the matter.
The clarification was issued by the Staff Officer, General Headquarters, Naga Army.