Naga Army dictate issue: BJP Leader Phawang Lowang denies his involvement
BJP Leader Phawang Lowang denies his involvement in circulating of letter of Naga Army(Ollo) in public domain in connection with by-election of 56 Khonsa West A/c.
Itanagar
BJP Leader Phawang Lowang who contested on a BJP ticket during Assembly Election 2019 from 56 Khonsa West Assembly constituency of Tirap district while addressing the media persons today at Arunachal Press Club, denied his connection with a dictate reportedly issued in the name of Naga Army (Ollo) and alleged that it is a handiwork of group to tarnish his reputation.
Lowang contested against NPP Candidate Tirong Aboh, lost by more than a thousand votes.
Reportedly, ‘a dictate statement was issued and circulated to the people of Ollo in the name of Naga Army (Ollo) stating that no candidate other than Phawang Lowang should be put up by individuals or group in the Bye-election. The group also reportedly warned eternal punishment if one fails to comply with the dictate statement’.
In regard to the dictate statement, Chakat Aboh who is the wife of slain MLA Tirong Aboh had appealed to the state and central governments to take the issue seriously.
Chakat who is seeking election from Khonsa West stated that if something happens to her and her supporters, then Phawang Lowang and his supporter should be held responsible.
Quashing the allegation against him regarding the dictate statement, Phawang Lowang said that he had not heard of the name before until the dictate was brought to public domain through media.
Phawang Lowang added that he has already lodged an FIR at Police Station Lazu, Tirap District on September 13, seeking proper investigation to book the culprit behind circulating the malicious statement.
He said that it is an attempt to dilute his political image.
In the FIR, he stated that there is an apprehension that there is likely to put hurdles in the bye-election process of the 56-Khonsa Wast (ST) if the persons behind circulating the statement in the name of fake organization (according to his statement in the FIR).
Condemning the massacre on May 21 last wherein Tirong Aboh and 10 others were killed, Lowang condoled the bereaved families and added that if the public wants him to still contest in the bye-election. He added that a meeting was held with the public some days back, in which they want him to contest.
Meanwhile, he stated that the massacre on May 21 was not political assassination but might be an outcome of personal issue. He denied his any involvement with the incident.
In this regard, he has met with the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh seeking fair and unbiased investigation of the incident.
He further added that everyone of the area should come together to bring peace and harmony.
