UKHRUL: Following the reported ambush that killed a Naga civilian today by suspected Kuki militants, Naga legislators and civil bodies have demanded justice over the incident.
According to MLA Awangbow Newmai, the Joint Tribe Council (JTC), and the Joint Tribe Students’ Association (JTSA), the victim NK Wiphenbou (about 17 years old), S/o NK. Maihinlakbou of Upper Takou village, Tamei Sub-Division, Tamenglong, was ambushed and killed by the Kuki militants between Upper Takou and Tamah (Malek) at around 10:5 AM.
“I unequivocally condemn the cowardly and heinous acts of terrorism that target innocent civilians and threaten peace and security. Such barbaric violence has no justification and no place in a civilized society,” MLA Awangbow Newmai said.
The JTC Working Committee, 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, it added.
The JTC also alleged that the act was a direct result of the dirty games played by the government while also highlighting that seven Kuki narco- terrorists were recently captured, only to be released again without any proper warning or legal consequence. “This act of collusion orchestrated by Nemcha Kipgen Dy CM and Y. Khemchand CM of Manipur is a blatant betrayal of the Naga people and a criminal abetment of terrorism. The blood of the innocent Naga bloods is on their hands.
They then demanded immediate and strongest condemnation from state and central government, a swift and decisive action against these ‘SoO-violating groups’; justice for the victim; and protection for Naga villages and immediate security measures to protect Naga Liangmai villages and other vulnerable Naga settlements.
“We will not be cowed down by such acts of terror. The blood of an innocent 17-year-old student will not be spilled in vain,” it further added.
The JTSA while also vehemently condemning act stated that the young student was ambushed and shot multiple times with automatic firearms while travelling on foot from his village to Tamei for his studies.
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“He was unarmed and was only going to school to pursue his education. To ambush and kill an unarmed student on his way to school is an act of extreme brutality and a direct assault on the right to life, right to education and freedom of movement,” it alleged.
It also reported the attack on 16th and 17th September on Chawangkining Naga village by alleged Kuki militants and the arrest of seven alleged Kuki militants on 19th September and subsequent release following an understanding between Kuki militants and the state government.
“This killing must not be buried under mere statements and condolences. JTSA demands immediate registration of FIR, time-bound investigation, arrest and punishment of the culprits under the full force of law, strict enforcement of SoO ground rules and accountability of SoO camps, and adequate protection for innocent Naga villagers and students,” it concluded.
