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Naga MLAs Demand Action Over Manipur Civilian Killings
Some Naga lawmakers in Manipur wrote, or planned to write, to Home Minister Amit Shah.
They want arrests over the deaths of six Naga civilians.
The civilians were reportedly taken away on May 13, and their bodies were found in June.
The lawmakers accused a Kuki militant group of involvement, but the articles present this as an allegation.
They also accused Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen’s office of working with the group.
Nemcha Kipgen is from the Kuki community and is married to Thangboi Kipgen, whom the lawmakers also named.
The legislators want the government to cancel a ceasefire-related agreement with Kuki armed groups.
They warned that Manipur could become even more unsafe without quick action.
One report also described later killings of both Naga and Kuki civilians along the Imphal-Tamenglong road.
Reports differ on whether seven or nine Naga MLAs signed a memorandum to Amit Shah.
The legislators sought arrests of Kuki-Zo leaders over the alleged killing and dismemberment of six Naga civilians.
The six civilians were abducted on May 13 and their bodies were recovered near Leilon Vaiphei on June 10.
The MLAs accused Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen’s office of colluding with a Kuki militant group led by her husband, Thangboi Kipgen.
They also demanded that the Centre and Manipur government end the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki armed groups.
- Who
- Seven or nine Naga MLAs, including Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, addressed Union Home Minister Amit Shah; the letter named Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Thangboi Kipgen.
- What
- The legislators sought arrests and other action over the alleged killing of six Naga civilians, action against Nemcha Kipgen, and abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement.
- Where
- The abduction occurred at or near Leilon Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district, Manipur; the bodies were recovered nearby or at locations in the Kangpokpi jungle.
- When
- The six civilians were abducted on May 13 and their bodies were recovered on June 10; the demands were reported on August 31. One report also described attacks on August 27 and the following Monday.
- Why
- The legislators cited alleged attacks, killings, violations of the Suspension of Operations agreement, and the need to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
Naga Legislators’ Demands
Government Peace Process
Responsibility for the six deaths
Naga Legislators’ Demands
The Naga MLAs allege that cadres of the Kuki National Front-Presidential, including fighters linked to a self-styled General Tiger, were involved and demand arrests.
Government Peace Process
The articles do not provide a response from Thangboi Kipgen, Nemcha Kipgen, or the named Kuki groups, so the allegations are not independently resolved in these reports.
Deputy chief minister’s role
Naga Legislators’ Demands
The legislators allege that Nemcha Kipgen’s office colluded with a Kuki militant group led by her husband and seek action against her.
Government Peace Process
The reported government peace process and Nemcha Kipgen’s position are cited by the legislators, but the articles contain no response from her office.
Suspension of Operations agreement
Naga Legislators’ Demands
The MLAs want the agreement with Kuki armed groups immediately abrogated, citing alleged violations and attacks on civilians.
Government Peace Process
The agreement remains part of the government’s peace process in the accounts provided; the articles do not report a government decision on the demand.
Key facts
- MLA count
- The reports differ: two describe nine Naga MLAs, while one describes seven.
- Six victims
- Six Naga civilians were allegedly abducted and killed; the legislators also referred to dismemberment.
- Abduction
- May 13, from Leilon Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district.
- Body recovery
- June 10, near Leilon Vaiphei; another report says the bodies were recovered from different locations in the Kangpokpi jungle.
- Named individuals
- Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and her husband Thangboi Kipgen of the Kuki National Front-Presidential were named in the allegations.
- Requested agreement change
- Immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki armed or militant groups.
- Additional violence
- One report said four Naga civilians were killed on August 27 and that three Kuki civilians were later killed and four injured along the same road.
Quotes
The seven Naga MLAs
Seven Naga legislators from the Naga People’s Front, National People’s Party and as an Independent
“The current human tragedy unfolding in Manipur has reached a critical and volatile stage, with grave ramifications affecting all aspects of public life. If unbiased, decisive and bold action is not taken without delay, the State may descend into an uncontrollable situation.”
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Sources
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