The INLA's political representatives have pulled out of a hunger-strike commemoration with Sinn Féin and the IRA next month in protest at what they say is the increasing political manipulation of the prisoners' deaths.
They objected to Gerry Adams being one of the main speakers at the rally. They claimed hunger-strike commemorations were increasingly becoming election stunts by Sinn Féin's Belfast leadership.
Three INLA prisoners – Patsy O'Hara, Kevin Lynch and Mickey Devine – died in the 1981 fast.
It is understood the INLA is carrying out an investigation into claims by ex-IRA prisoner, Richard O'Rawe, that elements of the IRA Army Council rejected a deal from the British which would have saved the lives of six hunger-strikers.
For 24 years, the INLA's political wing, the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP), has joined forces with Sinn Féin and the IRA for an annual commemoration for hunger-striker Kevin Lynch, in Dungiven, Co Derry.
However, Eddie McGarrigle of the IRSP national executive told the Sunday Tribune: "We have decided to no longer take part in this joint commemoration.
"At a hunger-strike rally in Derry last month, Martin McGuinness declared that the hunger-strikers would have supported Sinn Féin's current strategy. This is offensive to the politics of the INLA hunger-strikers."
McGarrigle said the IRSP/INLA had "good relations with the local IRA leadership in Dungiven and North Derry" whom he described as "honourable republicans".
He added: "We had no problem with them addressing the rally but the Belfast Sinn Féin leadership imposed Gerry Adams. We're not having the entire commemoration turned into another Sinn Féin election stunt. They also banned a republican socialist colour party. We will now hold our own parade."
When asked about the INLA investigation into Richard O'Rawe's claims that six hunger-strikers may have died needlessly, McGarrigle said the allegations had caused "considerable disquiet" among republican grassroots.
"We are currently talking to all parties about this very serious matter. We have been told a section of the IRA Army Council was offered a deal which would have saved the lives of six hunger-strikers, including two of our own volunteers.
"These allegations haven't been proven or disproven. We are consulting with the families of our hunger-strikers." McGarrigle called for "transparency and honesty" from the Provisionals. "We are determined to explore this issue but won't be commenting further until our inquiries are concluded."
