Condemnations over Moreh killing pour in
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, July 14 2019:
Another brutal killing at Moreh yesterday barely a few days after the Phailengmol killing has invited strong condemnation from various civil society organizations especially the Kuki CSOs including the two conglomerate organizations of the Kuki UGs currently in talks with the Government for a political solution.
A self-styled 2nd Lieutenant of United Kuki Liberation Front(UKLF), John Gangte, Town Commander of Moreh was reported killed at Ngamkhai Veng, Moreh yesterday in broad daylight.
The incident happened after the July 10 killing of a village chief and his nephew by unknown gunmen between Keihao and Hengjang village in Island (Phailengmol) sub division of Kangpokpi district and the perpetrators of the crime are yet to be booked.
According to a report which went viral on social media, at around 12.15 pm on July 13 some cadres of Kuki National Army (KNA) under the command of Thangboi Haokip, OC, Moreh Tactical HQ, KNA killed John Gangte near Ngamkhai Veng, Ward No 8, Moreh.
It also mentioned details of the murderers as Thongmang Haokip, Moreh town command, KNA, Hemlen Khongsai, second-in-command, Hermon Camp and Seingam Haokip, KNA cadre, a resident of Chavangphai, Moreh.
The report urged the Officer-in-Charge of Moreh Police Station to arrest the alleged murderers and stated that the body of the deceased will not be claimed until the culprits are arrested.
The United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) condemned the murder of John Gangte, town commander of Moreh at Ngamkhai Veng and blamed the KNO of still continuing to kill its own brethren while most of the leaders of Kuki revolutionary groups are under Suspension of Operation and sitting together for bringing a political solution with the Central and State Governments.
It also pointed out that it is not the first time that the KNO has unleashed a reign of terror and creating panic amongst the denizens of Moreh.
The UKLF also recalled that in the past KNO cadres murdered Capt George of UKLF and continued random firing and bombing of civilian residences at Moreh town.
It further said that as per its investigation, John Gangte was ambushed and murdered by cadres of KNO under the command of Thahpi alias Thangboi Haokip, OC of KNA Moreh and the assassination was carried out by Thongmang Haokip, Moreh town commander, KNA, Hemlen Khongsai, second-in-command of Hermon Camp and Seingam Haokip, a cadre and a resident of Chavangphai, Moreh.
Contradicting the report and UKLF allegations, the Kuki National Army (KNA) released a statement condemning the killing of John Gangte allegedly by some unknown miscreants and stating that KNA since its inception is opposed to factional clash and wanton killings.
The KNA also stated that the senseless killing committed in broad daylight is very disturbing and a direct challenge to peace and harmony of the land.
It also said that KNA is concerned about the false allegation of blaming the organization as appeared in social media and termed it dishonest and baseless.
While extending solidarity to the UKLF, KNA also shared the grief and pain of the bereaved family members.
The United People's Front (UPF), one of the conglomerate organizations of which the UKLF is a member condemned the killing.
In a statement UPF stated that the organization is shocked to learn of the gruesome and cold murder of John Gangte, and extended its sympathy and condolence to the bereaved family.
While condemning the brutal killing, the UPF demanded a swift proclamation from the perpetrators stating that this cowardly act is pointless at a juncture when peace is pursued at all levels.
It also appealed to the Government to treat the matter as most serious and speedily book those responsible in the brutal murder.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur also strongly condemned the continuous killings among the Kuki communities.
It appealed to all the people of the Kuki community and leaders of various organizations to shun such violence once and for all in the larger interest of peace and harmony in the society.
The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) Chandel district also expressed deep concern over the 'killing at will' situation at Moreh and condemned the brutal killing of John Gangte in the strongest term.
The student body also urged any individual, group or person involved in the crime to indentify themselves publicly and give reason on what ground such barbaric action could be taken.
It further appealed the authority concerned for timely intervention and immediate action to avoid further escalation of tension and bloodshed at Moreh in the best interest of the people.
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