DIMAPUR, Oct 20: Just ahead of the submission of its first report by the State Government constituted inquiry committee, the NSCN-K has claimed ?Al Qaeda footprints? in the October 2 Dimapur terror blasts case. The NSCN-K made the revelation through a release issued by Kughalu Mulatonu, a member of its Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB).
He said that none but only terrorists could do such ?an evil act?. Whatever may be the truth, but the NSCN-K?s new statement is a clear indication that it no longer believes that its rival, NSCN-IM were involved in the blasts in any way.
Earlier, the same organization (NSCN-K) through a press statement issued just a few hours after the bomb blasts claimed that its preliminary investigation indicated that the NSCN-IM was behind the twin blasts.
However, people cutting across all streams of life, rejected any suggestion that any Naga organization was involved. Mulatonu said that the Naga people would not do such an evil act and therefore, terrorists were clearly behind the act. He also urged the people of Nagaland to be vigilant against the activities of terrorists.
NSCN-IM at that point of time did not care to respond to the NSCN-K?s preliminary findings (allegations) dismissing it as ?ridiculous?. After the blasts, the NSCN-IM swung into action and constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the blasts.
It also announced Rs. 6 lakh reward for anyone who could give any positive clues as to who were behind the blasts. It even called for involvement of the world?s top-most professional and powerful investigation agency, FBI of the USA so that the perpetrators could be quickly traced and punished.
Mulatonu, while emphasizing that this kind of terrorism and their perpetrators would be soon found out and defeated, said that the people of Nagaland must be united and be aware of those who could exploit the situation. ?Our main objective is Naga sovereignty. Nagas will be Nagas even now and after,? Mulatonu said, stressing that while fighting such terrorism people must not lose their focus on Naga sovereignty which is their cherished goal.
Meanwhile, to carry forward the seven-year-old peace process between the Centre and the NSCN-IM, the two sides would hold a crucial round of talks in Bangkok from October 20. According to sources, the three-day talks in the Thai capital will be the second round after the Congress-led UPA came to power. The last round of talks in Chiang Mai, also in Thailand, in July, resulted in the extension of the ceasefire between the two sides for another year from August 1.
NSCN-IM leadership?s visit to India is likely to figure during the Bangkok talks. The outfit?s chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah were scheduled to visit New Delhi early this year, which was later postponed owing to Lok Sabha polls.