KSO urges GoI to act against NSCN (IM)
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 26 2020:
Kuki Students Organization (KSO) has demanded the State Government to take up necessary action against NSCN-IM cadres who constantly violate the law, if the ceasefire agreement does not cover Manipur as categorically claimed by Chief Minister N Biren in the ongoing Assembly session.
Speaking to media persons at KSO general headquarters in connection with the alleged assault of one Seikhohao Kipgen of Phaimol village by NSCN-IM cadres at Chassad on February 24, its president Paothithang Lupheng stated that even though the incident happened two days back, the State police and the Assam Rifles personnel did not bat an eyelid.
The law keeping agencies have totally ignored the incident although it took place right under their nose, he alleged.
On the other hand yesterday, when suspected KNA cadres reportedly thrashed two villagers of Sinakeithel at Samushong on the charge of being NSCN-IM spies, the Assam Rifles personnel immediately started terrorizing the locals by summoning the village chiefs and demanding immediate surrender of the cadres, he claimed.
Paothithnag Lupheng conveyed that such action of the Assam Rifles beg the question as to why they are hard on one community and soft on the other, why they fail to take action against NSCN-IM cadres who have been unleashing a reign of terror in Chassad area and asked if all of these is because the CO of 24 Assam Rifles happens to belong a certain tribal community.
KSO is totally against any underground outfits who oppress civilians.
KSO also condemns such acts in the strongest terms.
However, if the Assam Rifles personnel are hell bent on taking actions against the KNA cadres then they must also deal with the NSCN-IM cadres in a similar way, he demanded.
Paothithnag Lupheng alleged that NSCN-IM cadres have been constantly harassing Kuki villagers in Chassad area for many years in an attempt to grab the land belonging to the Kukis.
NSCN-IM forcefully tried to construct buildings on Chassad land and they even tried to prevent the villagers from cultivating on their own land, he added.
Paothithnag Lupheng alleged that NSCN-IM cadres threatened and beat up the villagers whenever they liked and threats and orders are constantly served to the villagers.
Regarding such matters, KSO had approached the State Government several times in the past but to no avail and the NSCN-IM is left free to continue their reign of terror.
Recently, Chief Minister N Biren had categorically stated that the ceasefire agreement with the NSCN-IM does not cover Manipur, but the situation says otherwise.
Paothithnag Lupheng then opined that if the ceasefire is not extended to Manipur, then the State government ought to take up necessary actions against NSCN-IM and added that the silence of the Government will only embolden the outfit to carry out its nefarious acts without any inhibition.
Everyone wants to live in peace through mutual understanding and respect but there are some who don't want peace to prevail in the State, Paothithnag Lupheng said, stressing on the importance of the State Government to take necessary actions.
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