KNF-N holds KTU C-in-C captive
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, May 30 2017:
The proscribed Kuki National Front (Nehlun) has held captive the alleged chief in command of Kuki Tribal Union (KTU) yesterday.
Speaking to media persons, information & publicity secretary of the outfit Gogou Vaiphei said that cadres of KNF(N) overpowered the C-in-C identified as Khaipao Haokip who was allegedly demanding money at Kuki villages in the adjoining areas of Island block, Kangpokpi.
While dubbing KTU as an unrecognised outfit, Gogou termed KTU as a puppet of NSCN-IM and alleged that the outfit has been utilised by NSCN-IM solely to weaken the political movements of Kukis, reports our correspondent.
A cadre of NSCN-IM was also over powered along with Khaipao but he was released unharmed on the same day as KNF-N has nothing to do with NSCN-IM, he stated.
He further stated that on the same day, village chief T Natyang received a letter from the Chairman of Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang stating that his village will be held responsible if the Khaipao is not released.
Around nine cadres of NSCN-IM entered T Natyang village today and warned the villagers of dire consequences stating that they will not be allowed to live peacefully if Khaipao Haokip is not released by tomorrow, he added.
Gogou Vaiphei clarified that the incident is not related to any inter-village feud, enmity or communalism but a political issue carried out by Kuki National Front (Nehlun) to safeguard the interest of Kuki land and its revolutionary movement.
He asked the NSCN-IM to refrain from goondaism and not to terrorize the Kuki community and added the association will retaliate if any inconveniences is caused to the Kuki villagers.