Imphal, February 10, 2014 – The Kuki National Front (Nehlun) has claimed responsibility
for the abduction of Mathotmi Chahong, Village Secretary of Island Tangkhul
Village, on the night of February 7, 2014.
According
to a press statement released today by Mr. Gogou Vaiphei, Secretary of
Information & Publicity, KNF (Nehlun), the abduction was carried out by the
outfit’s Special Task Force Unit. He stated that the incident was directly
linked to a financial agreement from July 2013. “Mathotmi Chahong had signed a
letter acknowledging responsibility for a negotiated amount of Rs 20 lakh, of
which Rs 15 lakh was paid at the time, with the remaining Rs 5 lakh to be paid
within two months. However, he later evaded the issue despite repeated
reminders,” the statement read.
The
KNF (N) emphasized that there was no other viable solution but to detain
Chahong. “We, too, are human and feel for the situation, but it was
unavoidable,” the statement added.
The
outfit criticized organizations such as the United Naga Council (UNC) and the
Tangkhul Naga Village Secretary Association (TNVSA) for releasing statements
without proper investigation. It urged them to address the matter factually
rather than creating unnecessary tensions.
Clarifying
allegations of kidnapping for ransom, the KNF (N) referred to a press
conference held on February 2, 2014, where its President, Dr. Napoleon Kremlin,
had declared that ransom abductions were against the organization’s principles
and policies. The group asserted that Chahong’s abduction was not a ransom case
but a consequence of the unresolved financial negotiation from 2013. It also
urged against communalizing the issue.
“We
assure that he is in good health under our custody, though he requires regular
medication, which is being provided. His release depends on the course of
action taken by security forces currently conducting combing operations in the
area,” the KNF (N) stated.
The
outfit further accused MLA Yamthong Haokip of engaging in political
manipulation. “He should stop his behind-the-scenes instigation for political
gain, as his tactics will not yield positive results. As an elected leader, he
should come forward openly instead of resorting to cunning strategies,” the
statement concluded.
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