PRO of KNF killed, 'wanton' killings continue
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, July 24 2019:
A cadre of the Kuki National Front, the oldest Kuki armed revolutionary group and an entity of the ongoing political talks with the Government of India and Government of Manipur was killed on July 22 in Moltam area in Kangpokpi district.
The victim identified as Demkhohao alias Haobem, s/o Jangsei Kipgen, a Public Relations Officer (PRO) of KNF was killed at around 7.30 pm in between Kangchup Chingkhong and Kangchup Chiru barely ten days after UKLF Moreh Town Commander John Gangte was killed in a similar incident on July 13 at Moreh.
KNF has pointed its fingers at KNO/KRA over Moltam killing while UKLF blamed KNO/KNA over the Moreh killing.
Earlier, on July 10 chief of Hengjang village Letkhotinthang alias Thangneo Kipgen and his nephew Thangminlun Haokip were waylaid and killed in between Keihao and Hengjang village in Island (Phailengmol) sub division in Kangpokpi district while the Police Department reportedly arrested three individuals in connection with the killing recently.
In connection with the latest killing at Moltam area, the Kuki National Front (KNF) has accused the KNO/KRA of committing the crime stating that it was designed to create fear psychosis among the public and cadres of KNF in New Keithelmanbi area and Kangchup area while alleging that KRA has been continuously trying to occupy New Keithelmanbi area for over two years by all means in order to be in a position to support a candidate in Saitu Assembly Constituency.
KNO/KRA chairman was recently released on bail by an NIA Court in the case of missing pistols from Manipur Rifles Arm Kote, said Lh Stephen, the information and publicity secretary of KNF.
He recalled that the Kuki society has witnessed three serial killings in less than a month including the killing of Hengjang village chief and his nephew by unidentified gunmen, the killing of John Gangte, Moreh Town Commander of UKLF by KNO/KNA and the recent killing of Demkhohao alias Haobem, a PRO of KNF by KNO/KRA and asked what has emboldened armed groups under KNO, especially, KNA and KRA to continue the wanton killings.
The outfit also extended condolence to the bereaved family and shared their pain and grief while adding that his service to the Kuki movement and KNF shall be remembered in the annals of the Kuki history.
Meanwhile, the United People Front (UPF), one of the conglomerations of the Kuki UGs under tripartite talks with the Governments has strongly condemned the serial killings and appealed the Government to take the matter as most serious and take appropriate action against those responsible for the wanton killings.
Thanglenlal Doungel, information and public relations of the UPF said that UPF is shocked to learn of the murder of Demkhohao Kipgen alias Haobem, PRO of KNF at Kangchup Chiru village in Kangpokpi district on July 22.While strongly condemning the killing, the UPF stated that such cowardly act is pointless at a juncture when peace is pursued at all levels and appealed the Government to treat the matter most seriously and initiate appropriate action against those responsible.
It also extended its sympathy and condolences to the deceased family and to KNF.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Students' Organization Moltam Block Khoken Unit (Unit-IV) has also condemned the serial killings in the Kuki community in the strongest term as well as the recent brutal killing of Demkhohao Kipgen of Natop Boljang Village on July 22 .
The student body said that it condemns any inhuman act of violence which disturbs the peaceful environment of the area and termed it as a barbaric and uncivilized act while adding that KSO believes that any inhuman act of senseless killing will do no good for the society but only create an unfortunate and disturbing situation apart from creating fear psychosis amongst the general public.
It also appealed to everyone to shun violence once and for all and rather choose the path of peace, coexistence and harmony.
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