War of words in Manipur Assembly over killing of four 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. Replying to a query, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Asked about allegations by several Naga civil society organisations and legislators that cadres of the Kuki National Front (P) and its leader, who is the husband of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, were involved in the killings, Konthoujam said there was no concrete information regarding it.

“There is no concrete information on whether KNF (P) was involved in the killings or not,” he said. Konthoujam said the case was being investigated by the NIA.

“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,” he said.

Responding to the home minister, Congress MLA K Ranjit Singh said, “Please, work hard,” and added, “Let’s hand over the Government to NIA.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh also 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.