NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (R) have issued statements that they are not involved in the news report “NSCN cadres allegedly seek share of Covid funds.”
TFM Desk
At least two factions of NSCN have clarified that they were not involved in the alleged demand of share from COVID funds as reported by a TV news channel recently.
A release by the Ministry of Information and Publicity, NSCN (I-M) on Friday clarified that the outfit has nothing to do with the news report wherein NSCN’s name was mentioned demanding a share of the funds for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are in total solidarity with the state government’s fight against the wicked COVID-19. We are, therefore, not involved in any manner that goes against humanity at this particular juncture where all Nagas, irrespective of social or political standing are expected to fight together,” it added.
NSCN/GPRN, Sumi Region, CAO (Caretaker) Pasheto Chishi Swu has also issued a rejoinder on the news report “NSCN cadres allegedly seek share of Covid funds.”
“No person in individual capacity or authorized members from Finance Department, Regional Authority or Army wing is involved in Covid fund share seeking. The NSCN/GPRN also has a moral obligation in fighting against Covid-19 pandemic for humanity. The least we can do is check the corrupt system instead of getting involved in it,” he said in the rejoinder.
Meanwhile, the NSCN/GPRN (R) has also clarified on a news item that was broadcast by a news channel claiming that different “NSCN factions” were seeking a share of COVID funds meant for battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a press statement issued by MIP, NSCN/GPRN (R), MLA and Advisor, School Education, Nagaland, KT Sukhalu, reportedly had said that cadres from seven to eight different factions were demanding shares from COVID funds.
The statement read that as far as NSCN (R) is concerned, its “stance is crystal clear” as declared in all dailies and publication houses on May 25, 2021, reminding all cadres not to fall “short of grace” in seeking financial assistances even from its patrons, sympathisers or business communities during these trying times, let alone demanding for shares from COVID funds.
Nonetheless, the NSCN (R) said it also does not rule out, that like most times, some unscrupulous elements both cadres or non-cadres might be taking advantage(s) for their personal gain, and hence if such was the case, specific names including faction(s) and other particular details should be disclosed, to enable respective factions to probe and to investigate.
“Whatsoever if perchance, any of our Cadres are found involved, either directly or indirectly, severe actions of very serious nature will be initiated,” MIP, NSCN/GPRN (R) said.
Further, it went on to add that however, if particular names or factions could not be provided, the NSCN (R) advises responsible persons, groups, sources etc to verify properly before issuing any “unconfirmed or irresponsible or corroded” statements in the public domain and in news media, since the NSCN (R), like any other, is equally concerned with this pandemic threat.