Eight Naga MLAs urge Amit Shah to act over attacks on Naga civilians in Manipur

Eight of Manipur’s nine Naga legislators have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking his intervention in the prevailing situation in the state, alleging that Kuki-Zo leaders and militant groups were involved in attacks on Naga civilians.

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Loshii Dikho confirmed to The Indian Express that the letter, signed by eight Naga MLAs, had been sent to Shah.

Nungba MLA Diganglung Gangmei was the only Naga legislator who did not sign it. A close aide to Gangmei said he had not yet taken a decision on the letter.

The legislators described the situation in Manipur as “critical and volatile” and called for “decisive and bold action” to prevent further deterioration.

They put forward five demands, including the arrest of Kuki-Zo leaders whom they alleged had publicly claimed responsibility for the killing and dismemberment of six Naga civilians.

The MLAs also sought the arrest of Thangboi Kipgen of the Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P), alleging his involvement in the killings.

Another demand concerns Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. The Naga legislators alleged that her office was colluding with a Kuki militant group led by her husband, Thangboi Kipgen, and sought action against her.

The legislators have also called for the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups.

They cited what they described as repeated violations of the agreement and continued attacks on civilians as grounds for their demand.

The letter comes as ethnic tensions in Manipur continue to remain a major security concern. The Naga legislators said intervention by the Union government was necessary to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.