Manipur Deputy CM Accuses Kuki Militant Group of Involvement in Naga Killings
Accusations of Involvement in Naga Killings
File image of family members holding photographs of six abducted Naga civilians and stand in the premises of JNIMS mortuary. (Photo:PTI)
Imphal, Oct 28: Losii Dikho, the Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, expressed his firm belief on Wednesday that a militant group from the Kuki community, led by the spouse of fellow Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, played a role in the murders of Naga individuals earlier this year.
Dikho urged Kipgen to either resign from her position or leverage her influence to halt the ongoing violence, referencing discussions he had with individuals who had been freed from captivity as evidence for his claims.
“Those who were released from abduction shared their experiences with me. They detailed the negotiations surrounding their release and made it clear who was involved. There is no ambiguity regarding this,” he stated.
Kipgen’s husband, Thangboi Kipgen, is the leader of the Kuki National Front (President), or KNF(P), which is one of the groups included in the tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement involving the central government, the Manipur administration, and Kuki armed factions.
Dikho held the KNF(P) accountable for the unrest in the Kangpokpi district, asserting, “She should resign. If she chooses to remain in her role, she must urgently instruct her husband’s organization to cease hostilities and the killing of Nagas.”
His comments have underscored the growing rift between the two deputy chief ministers, who assumed office when the BJP-led government, under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, was established in February.
Dikho, representing the Naga community, Kipgen from the Kuki community, and Khemchand from the Meitei community, were appointed to reflect the diverse ethnic representation in the state's leadership amidst ongoing ethnic strife.
The three-term MLA from the Naga People’s Front, representing Mao in Senapati district, indicated that the decision regarding Kipgen’s continuation as deputy chief minister lies with the central leadership.
“I trust that our home minister, prime minister, and leaders in Delhi are attentive to this matter. However, we recognize that it may take time for them to respond,” Dikho remarked.
He further alleged that representatives from the central government and “political agencies” were engaging with Naga legislators in the state to foster an understanding regarding their demands for action against Kipgen.
The abduction and subsequent murder of six Naga men during a hostage situation involving both Nagas and Kukis in the Kangpokpi and Senapati districts in May and June of this year significantly heightened tensions between the two communities.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently probing the incident. Kipgen has previously refuted claims of any collusion with militant groups.