IMPHAL, Dec 22: A press statement from the Department of Publicity, United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has claimed responsibility for the incident on December 19 in the vicinity of the Imphal Police Station at Porompat DC Road. A water tanker of the 143 CRPF and a bullet proof 407 truck serving as its escort vehicle were hit by the explosion of a claymore bomb, which was carried out by a small demolition team of the MPA according to the signed statement from Ksh. Yoiheiba Senior Publicity Officer, UNLF.
The statement further mentioned that the plan was to explode two claymore bombs fitted on both sides of the road, one after the other. However, the sudden appearance of a passenger vehicle trying to overtake the CRPF tanker led to a change of plans to ensure that civilian casualties would be minimized. The explosion of one claymore bomb led to severe damage on the bullet proof 407 and splinters from the explosion led to the injury of the driver of the water tanker, it maintained. The UNLF/MPA expressing regret for the injury sustained by Mustaq Ahmad further cautioned the public to stay away from security personnel to avoid any unwarranted injuries in the face of further attacks.
The statement further condemned the bomb throwing incident at the residence of a contractor at Liwa Lambi saying that it was aimed at extortion. It further warned groups operating as gangs to refrain from such activities.
UNLF further maintains that the recent Chandel incident in which an actor was brutally assaulted and two other artistes fired upon by Lt Col Livingstone reflects the inability to think and act like a human being. It further pointed out that the NSCN (IM) leadership should be mindful of the fact that such uncalled behavior reflects the lack of discipline and maturity which can lead to strains between various groups which had been existing in harmony. Calling upon the relevant authority within NSCN (IM) to take appropriate action with regard to the incident, the statement further maintained that Naga Civil Society groups should not remain quiet on the issue.