Imphal: The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has formally endorsed the United Naga Council’s (UNC) demand for the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF).
Both groups are parties to the tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur.
In a press statement, TIM backed the UNC’s call for an impartial investigation into the May 13 twin attacks, which resulted in the killings of three Thadou Baptist Association India leaders and the abduction and dismemberment of six Naga civilians, including a pastor.
The UNC has held cadres of the Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P) responsible for the killings, alleging they acted under the direction of KNF-P President ST Thangboi, spouse of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and Home Secretary Jangboi Kipgen.
“The Thadou community continues to demand justice for the three Thadou church leaders, and we equally recognize the Naga community’s legitimate demand for justice for the six Naga victims,” the TIM statement read.
The apex Thadou body described the political pressure mounted by the UNC and nine Naga legislators, including Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, as a genuine grievance that both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur must address urgently.
TIM further stated that, given the gravity of the allegations, demands for the resignation and removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen cannot be dismissed.
It also called for the prosecution of ST Thangboi and Jangboi Kipgen, whom it alleged are the masterminds behind the armed Kuki militant groups.
Concluding its statement, TIM urged the people of Manipur to unite against Kuki militancy and cooperate to ensure justice for the victims of the May 13 violence.