Imphal: The Naga People’s Union Imphal (NPUI) on September 18 questioned the Manipur government’s continued inaction over the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2023.
The organisation raised concern over the lack of official action, particularly after the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) issued formal apologies and confessions regarding the incident.
Speaking to the media in Imphal, NPUI President M. Ngaranmi criticised the administration for not initiating legal proceedings against the individuals and groups that had admitted involvement in the killings.
Ngaranmi urged the government to confiscate the weapons allegedly used in the killings and publish an official white paper detailing the circumstances of the incident.
He said the full facts could be established only if office bearers of the KZC and KIM were arrested and questioned. He also called for the arrest of all Kuki National Front-Presidency (KNF-P) cadres identified by eyewitnesses.
Ngaranmi also demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from her post. He said the Naga community has no confidence in the delivery of justice as long as she remains in office.
The NPUI leader also called on the government to abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with the KNF-P and designate the group as a terrorist organisation.
While acknowledging the support extended by various indigenous communities, Meira Paibis and civil society organisations, Ngaranmi appealed for continued support until legal action is taken.
He referred to the trauma and distress faced by the victims’ families and urged all Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to intervene and assist in securing justice.
Ngaranmi said the union would continue various forms of public agitation until those responsible for the killings are awarded capital punishment and all individuals involved are prosecuted under the law.