KRA details Haipi skirmish
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 18 2012: Insisting that Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) cadres ventured into Haipi village near Kangpokpi to rescue some Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council Members held hostage there, KRA Publicity secretary T Simte clarified that the venture was no intended to eliminate Kuki National Force (KNF) general secretary.

Speaking to newspersons somewhere in Sadar Hills area today, Simte contended that SHADC trio (members) SK Vaiphei, Khupshang Koireng and Bhumi Prasad were rounded up from their respective houses by KNF cadres and body guards of Kangpokpi MLA Nemcha Kipgen, who also happens to be the wife of KNF president.

At Haipi village the captives were confined at the house of KNF general secretary Aaron Kuki with armed cadres of the said group maintaining round the clock vigil, claimed the KRA functionary maintaining that KRA cadres were tasked to rescue the captive Members in order to restore normalcy in Sadar hills and facilitate overall development in one of the important regions of Manipur.

With no sign of the Government trying to rescue the three members even after days of their abductions KRA ultimately decided to carry out the rescue mission on its own by overpowering the KNF cadres, he said and reiterated that under no circumstances KRA intended to eliminate Aaron Kuki.

Pointing out that aim and objective of the KRA is to bring peace and development in Sadar Hills for which the bold rescue attempt was made, T simte also opined that KNF cadres resorting to intimidation and abduction of the ADC members is not only anti-people act but also amounts to dismembering the democratically constituted Sadar Hills ADC.

Branding KNF organisation as habitual kidnappers, he claimed that some times back, KNF activists in collusion with security escorts/body-guards of former SHADC chairman Seipu and MLA Nemcha picked up Council chairman Haokholal Hangsing, and members Thangkham Misao and Seilun Khongsai from Checkon area and kept them captive at the Nartheljang camp of suspension of operation signatory KNF.

Severe atrocities were committed against the captives at the designated camp, Simte alleged and substantiated his contention by pointing out that Haokholal Hangsing underwent treatment/operation of damaged eardrums.

While Thangkham Misao is enduring severe kidney problem consequent to harsh treatment at the KNF camp, Seilun Khongsai needs weekly medical check-up, the KRA secretary informed and reminded that with active support and involvement of KNF cadres, some gang members had abducted Thangkham Misao's son and the SBI Leimakhong Branch Manager in the recent past.

Affirming that KRA honours SoO ground rules and respects all SoO signatories, Simte said KRA has high regard for human value and will continuously work for the betterment of all sections of the society.

asserting that KRA will, however, not remain as a silent spectator when someone/group indulges in abductions/kidnapping or commits anti-people crimes, the secretary cautioned that according to necessity KRA will initiate suitable actions.

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