IMPHAL, April 1: The proscribed Revolutionary People`™s Front (RPF) has in a press statement signed by its secretary publicity Roben Khuman claimed responsibility of the attacked on a patrolling team of 44 Assam Rifles yesterday morning at around 5:10 at Kamjong Kul in Ukhrual District.
RPF in its statement said the attacked was carried out by a Tactical Command team of its armed wing PLA.
It said four AR personnel were killed and some others sustained injuries in the attack. A weapon (No AE51-5050) which belongs to AR was also recovered by them.
It further said one of its sergeants identified as Prem real name Okram Pari, son of (L) O Tomba and (L) Okram ongbi Radhe, of Sagolmang Mamang Leikai, was also killed in the gunfight yesterday.
It said the PLA carried out the attack after hearing the complaint of the people of the area and their wishes to teach the 44 AR a lesson. Villagers of the area had complained to PLA that the personnel of 44 AR were routinely threatening and disturbing the passersby.
`This time, our people especially from the hills, knowing the true colour of the security forces, had approached the PLA to teach them a lesson which clearly shows that the tricks of the enemy are not working out,` RPF said.
`By occupying every slop and hill using its security forces, India is showing its power, which is not a sign of wanting peace but to suppress the people of Manipur and the people know it very well,` it said.
`Until and unless they (India) are kicked out from here, there will be no peace, development and equality in our land,` it added.
SS Khaplang led NSCN abrogating the 14 years ceasefire agreement with India and starting to attack security forces is a right step, it further said.
The PLA is always ready to join hands with NSCN and other revolutionary groups of WESEA Region in waging a war against India, it declared.
Chief of Army Staff from the War office has lauded the Tactical Command of PLA for carrying out the attack successfully according to the wishes of the people, the statement added.