SENAPATI/UKHRUL: Naga People’s Front (NPF) State Unit in Manipur president Awangbou Newmai has appealed to deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen and Kuki leaders to “teach their people to be more human and Christian” following the killing of four Naga civilians in an ambush along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road on Friday morning.
Newmai made the statement while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the condolence service for the four slain Naga civilians at Senapati headquarters on Saturday.
He said Nagas, even when they kill their enemies, show respect for the dead, and added that Naga people respects all communities.
“But today, it is unthinkable to think that there are people who do not respect human beings,” Newmai said.
“I would like to appeal to the Kuki leaders and especially deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen. There are Christian leaders among the Kukis also. They should teach their people,” he said.
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Newmai alleged that the KNF-P was involved in the killing of the four Naga civilians and pointed out that the group is under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
He demanded that the SoO agreement with the group be abrogated and that the perpetrators be given befitting punishment.
“We will leave no stone unturned,” Newmai said.
He also said the Imphal-Tamenglong Road is no longer safe for travel and that the matter had been taken up with the chief minister to ensure justice for the victims.
The four Naga civilians were killed in an ambush on August 27 while travelling between Makui Ashang and Makui Thanamba village along the IT Road in Kangpokpi district.
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It may be noted that the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement was signed in 2008 between the Government of India, the Manipur government and two Kuki armed-group umbrella organisations namely the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), representing 25 insurgent groups, 17 under the KNO and eight under the UPF. The agreement requires the groups to cease hostilities, abide by the Constitution and laws of India, respect the territorial integrity of Manipur and keep their cadres in designated camps under a monitoring mechanism.
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