Assam Rifles issues clarification; says no collaboration with KNA (B) in Honpam Chithung’s Killing in Myanmar

The Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) on Sunday issued clarification on the allegation of the NSCN-IM’s statement on KNA-(B), stating “false allegations necessitate a clarification in bringing out the facts.”

The NSCN (Isak-Muivah) group in its statement on February 17, 2024 alleging involvement of Assam Rifles based at Phaikok collaborating with KNA (B) in the killing of Honpam Chithung on February 10, 2024 in Myanmar, stated, “We cannot rule out the involvement of Assam Rifles based at Phaikok to collaborate with KNA(B) in killing Honpam Chithung.”

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The Assam Rifles stated that the “individual named Honpam Chithung, resident of Harkui Kathe Tang, Ngaprum, Kumrum under Phungyar Police Station, in Ukhrul District, Manipur figures in the list of ‘Most Wanted’ of National Investigation Agency (NIA) and was wanted in NIA case No. RC-05/2018/NIA/GUW (State Police FIR No 11(5)2018 dated 22.05.2018 of Ukhrul Police Station, Manipur.

Assam Rifles added that Honpam Chithung, “as per credible inputs, the individual was also an arms supplier of NSCN-IM and was killed inside Myanmar on 10 February 2024.”

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Further, AR stating that the killing of Honpam “in a foreign territory on communal affinity reflects clear ulterior motive to malign the image of Indian Security Forces.”

“It is matter of great concern that an Indian citizen who was in wanted list of NIA was found in foreign territory (Myanmar). It is also highlighted NSCN-IM alleging Assam Rifles for death of individual (in NIAs most wanted list),” stated the Assam Rifles in its clarification.

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Terming the allegation of the NSCN-IM “irresponsible,” the AR stated that “the circumstances clearly shows that NSCN-IM wants to create an environment of distrust in Ukhrul and Kamjong areas. It also added that the “irresponsible allegations clearly indicate towards NSCN-IM harbouring and abetting anti-national elements.”

Assam Rifles is committed to ensuring peace and harmony and will work with unified determination to achieve it, added the statement.  

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