UKHRUL: Manipur deputy chief minister Losii Dikho abstained from the Cabinet meeting held at the Civil Secretariat on Thursday, citing the collective position and understanding of the Naga Legislators’ Forum and raising allegations against fellow deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen and her husband, Thangboi Kipgen, over their alleged role in the ongoing unrest in the state.
The Cabinet meeting was scheduled for 5 pm, with deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen also attending the proceedings.
Explaining his decision, Dikho said he considered it appropriate to refrain from attending the meeting in view of the prevailing circumstances and the sentiments expressed by the Naga Legislators’ Forum. He said his decision was taken “for the sake of the Naga people” when those whom he accused of being involved in creating unrest were part of the Cabinet proceedings.
“As justice is still denied and the Naga people continue to bear the brunt of the violence from the Kuki Militants led by self-styled Gen ‘Tiger’ Kipgen, (Husband of Smt. Nemcha Kipgen) who is the mastermind to have perpetrated the killing and mutilation of the six innocent Naga citizens whose bodies are still lying unclaimed in the morgue”, he stated.
“It is very painful to see that, the very person who has sworn and taken the oath of office and secrecy, to protect the Constitution, the rule of law and the security of innocent citizens has breached all this by sharing all state secrets and colluding with her husband (Mr. Thangboi Kipgen) who is the head of the Militant group KNF (P)*, he added.
He expressed concern over what he described as the lack of action and silence from the authorities that appointed Nemcha Kipgen, and alleged that she and her husband were contributing to the further division of the state rather than helping restore peace and normalcy.
Dikho maintained that his decision to abstain from the Cabinet meeting should not be construed as a lack of commitment to his official responsibilities or the welfare and development of the people of Manipur.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people and working towards peace, unity, understanding and harmonious coexistence among the different communities in the state.
