UKHRUL: The Former and Senior Leaders’ Forum of Zeliangrong Civil Organisations has questioned what it described as the contrasting responses of security forces to killings involving different communities in Manipur, while raising concerns over the whereabouts of Kuki underground cadres reportedly missing from designated Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps.
The Zeliangrong forum welcomed the arrest of three alleged cadres of the Kuki National Front (N), identified as Heminthang Khongsai alias Lunthang Thangboi, Lungunpao Kipgen alias Lugun, and Seilal Haokip alias Alan, in connection with the killing of three Meitei woodcutters from Nongsum.
According to a statement, forum said security forces had also claimed that two of the three arrested persons admitted involvement in the killings and that a cache of firearms and ammunition was recovered.
While commending the swift action, the forum questioned why those allegedly involved in the killings of Zeliangrong Naga villagers, particularly from Konsaram, had not been arrested despite the registration of FIRs and the alleged identification of the culprits.
It also expressed suspicion over what it described as the failure of security forces to disclose the identities, ranks and positions of the three arrested persons, saying the lack of details had raised questions among the public.
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The Zeliangrong forum further questioned the status of 17 persons reportedly picked up during an operation at the designated Sinai Camp of the Kuki Liberation Army/Kuki National Organisation (KLA/KNO) at Semol village near Saikul. The statement said security forces had reportedly maintained that the 17 were not underground cadres and questioned whether their identities and citizenship had been established.
Raising concerns over the implementation of the SoO agreement, the forum alleged that several cadres expected to remain in designated camps were found missing during security operations and verification drives. It called on the governments of India and Manipur to disclose the number of cadres assigned to the camps, the number found missing and the status of camp monitoring.
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It then said the alleged absence of cadres from designated camps raised serious questions about compliance with the SoO ground rules, under which cadres are required to remain in designated locations. It also questioned the use of public funds for monthly stipends and camp maintenance without adequate transparency regarding the camps’ actual status.
The statement further cited reports of unfamiliar persons allegedly moving between Sejang and Kotlen in vehicles without number plates, as well as sightings of unfamiliar persons along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road. The forum warned that such movements could pose security risks if not addressed promptly.
Noting the deployment of central and state security forces across Manipur, the Former and Senior Leaders’ Forum of Zeliangrong Civil Organisations urged the authorities to take immediate precautionary measures to prevent further untoward incidents.
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