Naga legislators in Manipur on Monday, September 7, abstained from the final sitting of the ongoing Assembly session, protesting the alleged abduction and killing of Leilon Vaiphei and demanding justice for the victim.
The legislators also sought action against Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen over alleged links between her husband and the Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P).
Naga MLA Awangbow Newmai announced the decision, saying the legislators had chosen not to attend the proceedings in protest against what they described as the failure to ensure justice in the Leilon Vaiphei case.
Addressing the media, Newmai alleged that eyewitnesses had pointed to the involvement of a KNF-P leader in the incident and claimed that the individual was Kipgen’s husband. He called for a thorough investigation and accountability.
“Our decision not to attend is that we don’t want to sit with the Deputy Chief Minister who is linked with the KNF-P. The prime accused in the Leilon Vaiphei incident is her husband, as there is enough evidence,” Newmai said.
The Naga legislators also demanded that Kipgen be removed as Deputy Chief Minister until the investigation into the alleged involvement of her husband was completed.
The development came amid continuing political tensions over allegations involving armed groups and attacks on civilians in Manipur. Nine Naga legislators, including Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, had earlier urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take action against Kuki leaders over their alleged involvement in attacks and killings of Naga civilians.
The legislators had also sought action against Kipgen, alleging collusion between her office and the KNF-P.
The Leilon Vaiphei case has become a major point of contention among Naga legislators, who have demanded an investigation into the alleged abduction and killing and accountability for those responsible.
Monday marked the final day of the eighth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, which began on September 2.
The allegations against Kipgen’s husband and the KNF-P remain unproven and would require investigation and due process to establish the facts.
