By NE NOW NEWS
Imphal: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho on Sunday alleged that a group operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement was involved in the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure strict action against those responsible.
Addressing a press conference at the Darbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat following the NDA Chief Ministers’ Conclave, Dikho described the killings as a disturbing incident that had deeply affected the people of the state.
Referring to the six Naga men abducted on May 13 whose bodies were later recovered in Kangpokpi district, the Deputy Chief Minister condemned the killings and said such acts of violence could not be accepted under any circumstances.
Without naming any organisation, Dikho alleged that those responsible belonged to a group covered under the SoO arrangement and urged the Prime Minister to intervene to ensure that armed groups operating under the agreement are brought under control.
He said the people of Manipur desired peace and called for stronger measures to restore law and order in the state, which continues to grapple with ethnic tensions and security challenges.
Dikho also called for an end to religious discrimination and persecution, stressing the importance of upholding India’s secular values.
The killings have triggered widespread concern among Naga organisations and civil society groups, several of which have demanded the immediate arrest of those involved and stronger action against armed groups operating under the SoO framework.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, accompanied by ministers and MLAs, also addressed the media at the Secretariat. The briefing largely focused on the NDA government’s achievements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past 12 years.
Responding to demands from sections of the Naga community seeking the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, Singh said criticism of the government during periods of public distress was understandable.
The Chief Minister noted that the case relating to the killing of the six Naga men had already been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and said anyone found involved, irrespective of position or office, would face legal action.
On the SoO agreement, Singh said lasting peace in Manipur would remain difficult unless illegal weapons were surrendered. He added that discussions were underway with security agencies on disarmament and announced that an additional COBRA battalion would be deployed to strengthen security operations in the state.
State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said all six victims had been identified and that authorities were examining demands raised by apex Naga organisations before handing over the bodies to their families.
While identification had been completed, he said issues raised by Naga bodies were still under consideration and could delay the formal handover process.
Regarding demands for the abrogation of the SoO agreement, Konthoujam said the arrangement had been signed jointly by the Centre and the state government, and discussions on the matter were continuing with the Union government.
The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice in the case while continuing efforts to strengthen security and restore normalcy in Manipur.