War of words in Manipur Assembly over killing of 4 Naga civilians
The ruling and opposition members in the Manipur Assembly on Thursday engaged in a war of words over the killing of four Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district in May, with the government saying there was no concrete evidence of the involvement of the Kuki National Front (P) in the incident.
Replying to a query, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the killings.
Konthoujam was asked about allegations by several Naga civil society organisations and legislators that cadres of the KNF(P) and its leader, who is the husband of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, were involved in the killings.
"There is no concrete information on whether KNF (P) was involved in the killings or not," he said.
The home minister said the case was being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and that the state government was pursuing the matter with the central agency.
"NIA is a premier agency in the country. We also pursue the case with them from time to time. We will try to ensure that justice is delivered. Anyone involved would be dealt with as per the law. As of now, there has been no communication from the agency on the matter," Konthoujam said.
His response drew a sharp reaction from Congress MLA K Ranjit Singh, who said, "Please, work hard," before adding, "Let's hand over the government to NIA."
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh intervened, saying allegations made in public and findings of an investigation were two different matters.
"There was pressure that the village chief of Leilon Vaiphei be arrested for his alleged involvement in the killing. However, when NIA investigated the case, it was learnt that the village chief was in Guwahati for medical treatment for more than a week before the incident happened," he said.
The chief minister said the investigation should be allowed to establish the facts and those found responsible should face action under the law.
