Imphal: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and eight other Naga legislators have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to immediately arrest Kuki-Zo leaders, including Kuki National Front (P) leader Thangboi Kipgen, the husband of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
In a jointly signed letter to Shah, the Naga MLAs said the “human tragedy” unfolding in Manipur had reached a “critical and volatile stage”, with grave ramifications for all aspects of public life.
They warned that if “unbiased, decisive and bold action” was not taken without delay, the State could descend into an uncontrollable situation.
The legislators sought action against Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging links between her office and the Kuki militant group led by her husband. They said the alleged links had made it difficult for people to understand the government’s position on the peace process.
The Naga MLAs also demanded the arrest of self-styled General “Tiger” Kipgen of the KNF (P) and that he be punished according to law, alleging his involvement in the killing and mutilation of six Naga civilians.
In the letter, the legislators described “Tiger” Kipgen as a “psychopath” and alleged that his modus operandi involved chopping up victims and secretly burying their remains at different locations. They said a person accused of such acts could not be allowed to operate within a civilised society.
The Naga MLAs further demanded the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki groups, citing alleged violations of the agreement and attacks on civilians.
They referred to several incidents, including the August 27 ambush on the IT Road in Kangpokpi district, in which four Naga civilians were killed, the August 14 attack on Langka village, and the April 18 TM Kasom ambush in Ukhrul district.
The legislators also warned that if action was not taken, they would be unable to defend or adequately respond to concerns raised by the public over their continued support for the Manipur government.
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