Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and eight other Naga legislators Awangbow Newmai, J. Kumo Sha, Dinganglung Gangmei, Khasim Vashum, Leishiyo Keishing, Janghemlung Panmei, Ram Muivah and S.S. Olish—have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take immediate and decisive action against Kuki-Zo leaders and militant groups whom they alleged were involved in a series of attacks and killings of Naga civilians in the state.
In a letter to Amit Shah, the legislators said the situation in Manipur had reached a “critical and volatile stage” and called for “unbiased, decisive and bold action” to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation.
The legislators sought the immediate arrest of Thangboi Kipgen of the Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P), alleging that cadres of the outfit were involved in the killing and dismemberment of six Naga men. They also sought action against self-styled KNF-P General “Tiger” Kipgen, whom they alleged had led those involved in the killings.
The legislators further sought action against Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging that her office was colluding with the Kuki militant group led by her husband, Thangboi Kipgen.
They also demanded the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, citing what they described as repeated violations and attacks on civilians. The SoO framework is a tripartite arrangement involving the Centre, the Manipur government and designated Kuki-Zo insurgent groups.
The Naga legislators argued that the continued incidents of violence raised questions over the effectiveness of the peace process and the government’s approach towards groups covered under the SoO framework.
In their letter, they referred to the killing of four Naga civilians in an alleged militant ambush along the Imphal-Tipaimukh (IT) Road in Kangpokpi district on August 27. They also cited the April 18 ambush at TM Kasom on NH-202, in which two people were killed, and the August 14 attack on Langka village, which they alleged resulted in the village being burnt and two farmers being killed.
The legislators said the incidents had added to concerns among Naga communities and alleged that perpetrators of earlier attacks had not been brought to justice.
They warned that failure to initiate the measures sought in their letter could make it increasingly difficult for them to respond to questions from the public over their continued support for the Manipur government amid mounting public pressure.
The letter was signed by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and legislators Awangbow Newmai, J. Kumo Sha, Dinganglung Gangmei, Khasim Vashum, Leishiyo Keishing, Janghemlung Panmei, Ram Muivah and S.S. Olish.
The Naga legislators said their intervention was aimed at protecting the interests of the people of Manipur and urged the Union Home Minister to take steps to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
