Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, July 12:
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has termed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the abduction and killing of six Liangmai Naga civilians as a “bizarre” move, alleging that the action diverts attention from the actual perpetrators of the crime.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the TNL Working Committee referred to the July 10 arrest of Pradip, a Meitei man, and his wife Ayingbi alias Mangaih of Leilon Vaiphei village by a joint team of the Manipur Police, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The couple was arrested in connection with the abduction of 18 Liangmai Naga civilians on May 13 and the subsequent murder of six victims, whose mutilated bodies were recovered on June 10.
The TNL alleged that the arrests appear to be a tactical attempt by law enforcement agencies to mislead the public and deflect growing demands for the apprehension of those directly responsible for the abductions, illegal detention and killings.
The organisation further claimed that the Kuki-Zo Council had publicly acknowledged responsibility for the abduction and killing of the civilians. It also asserted that survivors had identified Leilon Vaiphei village chief Lalboi Vaiphei alias Khailensang, along with certain women from the village and armed cadres of the Kuki National Front-Presidential (KNF-P), as being involved in the incident.
Calling for an impartial investigation, the TNL Working Committee urged the State Government and investigating agencies to pursue the case with truth, transparency and accountability. It stressed that justice must be delivered by bringing all those genuinely responsible to book in the interest of lasting peace and public confidence.
