Former Chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and senior advocate Khaidem Mani today questioned the State Government over its alleged failure to initiate legal action against the leadership of the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) in connection with the killing of six Naga civilians at Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district.
Speaking to media persons in Imphal, Khaidem Mani raised serious concerns over the absence of any First Information Report (FIR) or arrest despite public statements made by senior government functionaries regarding the incident.
Referring to remarks reportedly made by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho during a press interaction, Khaidem Mani said the Deputy Chief Minister had publicly stated that KNF-P, a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Governments of India and Manipur, was responsible for the killing of the six Naga civilians.
He further pointed out that family members of the victims had also publicly alleged that armed Kuki militants abducted the deceased before they were killed. According to him, the spouse of two of the victims had identified the chief of Leilon Vaiphei village as being among those involved in the abduction of their husbands.
Questioning the government’s response, Khaidem Mani asked why no action had been taken against those allegedly responsible despite what he described as public identification of the perpetrators by both government officials and family members of the victims.
“If a Deputy Chief Minister has already identified the group responsible for the killings and family members of the deceased have also named individuals allegedly involved in the abduction, what is preventing the government from registering cases and taking legal action?” he asked.
The former MHRC Chairperson also questioned Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh over the continued presence of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen in the State Cabinet. He said that the KNF-P leader Thangboi Kipgen, is married to Nemcha Kipgen, and if her husband is responsible for the brutal killing of the civilians why is she still holding the government’s position, Khaidem Mani added.
He further criticized what he termed the silence of the Chief Minister and other Cabinet ministers over the killings, stating that the lack of visible action had raised serious concerns among the public regarding the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.
He asserted that the brutal killing of six civilians was a matter of grave concern and demanded a transparent investigation to identify and prosecute all those involved, irrespective of their affiliations or positions.
Questioning the government’s continued inaction, Khaidem Mani remarked that the public was left wondering whether the authorities were unwilling to act against those accused of involvement in the killings. He said such perceptions could undermine public confidence in the rule of law and the government’s responsibility to protect citizens and ensure justice for victims.
The former MHRC Chairperson urged the State Government to immediately clarify its stand on the matter and take appropriate legal measures to ensure that those responsible for the deaths of the six civilians are brought before the law.
