THE INLA feud is over, according to a statement issued by the faction loyal to Hugh Torney, who was murdered in Lurgan, Co Armagh, over a week ago.
The death of the former INLA leader Mr Torney was viewed as the effective conclusion of the feud, which claimed the lives of six people, including nine year old Barbara McAlorum.
The statement issued to yesterday's Irish News would appear to confirm that view. The statement said the GHQ faction which Mr Torney led had been stood down from midnight on Monday.
The statement read "In high light of recent events and of an orchestrated campaign of terror against our members, we call upon all volunteers to disband forthwith at midnight, September 9th, 1996.
"This decision has been reached to prevent further loss of life and to alleviate the intimidation of our families.
"To the republican and greater nationalist community we ask of you not to offer, lend support or give credence to those who masquerade as republicans behind the hijacked banner of the IRSP.
"Finally, we ask that you the nationalist people lend your voice to urge the disbandment of this group as they command no political support and lack an agenda or mandate."
It warned that "ill disciplined elements" within this group could "seriously jeopardise and endanger the now fragile peace process".
The statement ends "This is the final communique from the HQ staff INLA."
The statement marks the end of the nine month power struggle between the factions. It began at the end of January with the murder of Gino Gallagher, the INLA member who had ousted Mr Torney as leader of the mainstream INLA grouping.
The group loyal to Mr Gallagher, in response, murdered five people. This culminated in the killing of Mr Torney yesterday week.