IMPHAL, August 10: The RPF/PLA has clarified in a press statement Athokpam Nandababu alias Chinglensana, 19 son of Nano of Chingnungkhok Mamang Leikai who was reportedly arrested from Langdum Lamkhai Waiting shed by a team of the Irilbung police on August 7 at around 2:20pm is a deserter of the outfit.
The statement said that Nandababu had deserted the PLA 252 Mobile battalion on March 23, 2012.
It said that the Irilbung police team led by is OC T Inaobi Singh had arrested Nandababu as a lance corporal of the PLA.
It has stated that Okram Piba alias Sanatomba Meitei, 22 son of O Ibomcha of Keibi Mapan Awang Leikai who was arrested on August 8 from Shalungpham Thoubal district by the 15th Assam Rifles had also deserted the PLA/RPF on June 8, 2011.
Meanwhile, it has added that the outfit is in no way connected or related to Lairenjam Basan, 47 son of L Babudhon, Thangmeiband Lairenjam leikai who was reported arrested by the Imphal West district commandos on August 6 at 1:05 from Konjeng leikai Y.D.O ground as a PLA cadre.