NSCN (K) dubs truce extension "time-buying" ploy

Dimapur, July 31 (UNI) The NSCN (Khaplang) ridiculed today's indefinite ceasefire extension agreement between the Centre and the rival NSCN (IM), stating that the latter did not have the verdict of the Nagas with them.

Talking to UNI over the telephone, NSCN (K)'s ''defence kirlosker (minister)'' Akato Chothi, making light of the peace talks between the Centre and the rival faction said, '' We don't know what these peace talks are. The NSCN(IM) don't have the verdict of the Naga people with them to talk on their behalf. '' He said the IM faction was going in the wrong direction and there was no solution in sight.

He said the Khaplang faction's policy would be to wait and watch the developments after this indefinite truce extension, becoming effective from tomorrow.

The ''defence minister'' alleged that the opinion of the Naga people was not important for the IM faction and they were not the true representatives of the Naga sentiments.

Asked if the IM faction's claims that the Nagas were in favour of the ceasefire extension, Mr Chothi said, '' The IM could be talking for the people of Manipur, but definitely not for the Nagas. The Naga people have different issues.

He alleged that the IM faction had gone for the ceasefire extension as a time buying tactic.

'' It has no where to go and cannot do without the ceasefire. The people are ignorant of its ulterior motives, '' he added.

The Khaplang faction leader further alleged that the rival faction was manipulating the Centre in its favour.

Asked for his comment on allegations that the IM faction was violating ceasefire ground rules, he said it was an ''open secret''.

The Khaplang group had already pulled out of the negotiation process.

UNI