UKHRUL: Deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen has condemned the killing of 17-year-old N.K. Wiphenbou in Tamenglong district and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Wiphenbou, son of N.K. Maihinlakbou of Upper Takou village under Tamei Sub-Division, was reportedly killed while travelling towards Tamei to procure essential items for his family.
Related Naga Bodies, MLA Awangbow Newmai Demand Justice over killing of civilian
Kipgen on September 21 described the death as “deeply distressing” and conveyed her condolences to the bereaved family.
“I also urge that the circumstances leading to the incident be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate action be taken as per law,” she said, while appealing for peace and restraint.
The statement came amid allegations by Naga organisations that Wiphenbou was ambushed and killed by Kuki armed groups between Upper Takou and Tamah (Malek) at around 10:05 am.
MLA Awangbow Newmai, the Joint Tribe Council (JTC) and the Joint Tribe Students’ Association (JTSA) have demanded justice and called for the identification and prosecution of those responsible. Read the earlier report
The JTC Working Committee, on Monday, condemning what it terms a cold-blooded murder, stated that the ambush was executed by the ‘cannibal Kuki Narco-Terrorist groups’, specifically the KRA, KNF (P), KNF (N), and other allied Kuki factions led by Jangboi Kipgen, the Home Secretary of the UPF/KNF and husband of Nemcha Kipgen, the deputy chief minister of Manipur.
These outfits, masquerading as signatories to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, have once again unmasked themselves as merchants of death, terror, and narco- terrorism, JTC added.
The JTSA has demanded an FIR, a time-bound investigation and action against those responsible, besides protection for Naga villages.
Police have registered a case in connection with the killing, while the circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of those responsible are expected to be established through investigation.
The killing has renewed concerns over the safety of civilians and the enforcement of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) ground rules in the area.
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