Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho has alleged that an armed group operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement is responsible for the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians. During a press conference at the Chief Minister's Secretariat on Sunday, Dikho described the incident as a disturbing act of violence and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strict action against those involved.
The six victims were abducted on May 13, and their bodies were later discovered in the Kangpokpi district. While Dikho did not name a specific organization, he urged the central government to exert greater control over armed groups currently protected by the SoO framework. He emphasized that the people of Manipur desire peace and called for an end to violence and religious discrimination.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh confirmed that the investigation into the murders has been transferred to the National Investigation Agency. Addressing concerns about accountability, Singh stated, "Anyone found involved in the case, irrespective of position or office, would face legal action."
The state government is also focusing on disarmament to curb ongoing ethnic tensions. The Chief Minister announced that an additional COBRA battalion will be deployed to bolster security operations, noting that lasting peace remains elusive while illegal weapons circulate in the state. State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam added that authorities have identified all six victims, though the final handover of bodies is pending further discussions with Naga organizations regarding their specific demands.
Regarding the potential abrogation of the SoO agreement, officials noted that the pact involves both the central and state governments. Consequently, discussions concerning the future of the arrangement are currently ongoing with the Union government.
Comments