IMPHAL, Sept 14: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and three Kuki-Zo MLAs have condemned the killing of four civilians, including two women, in separate attacks in Tamenglong and Noney districts and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
The victims were killed at L Tollen village in Tamenglong and Longpi village in Noney, according to statements issued by the legislators. At L Tollen, Seineh Singsit and his wife, Lhingjangai Singsit, were killed, while their six-year-old son Hemminsang Singsit was critically injured. At Longpi, Thangvel Gangte and Julie Gangte were killed and another woman, Nei Esther Gangte, was injured.
Kipgen condemned the attacks and the targeting of civilians, women and children. She offered condolences to the bereaved families and urged authorities to identify those responsible and ensure that they were brought to justice. She also appealed to all communities to maintain peace and restraint.
“The law must be allowed to take its course, and no individual or community should take the matter into their own hands,” she said.
Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen described the killings allegedly carried out by unidentified armed militants as “brutal and senseless” and called the targeting of civilians a “heinous, cowardly act of terror”.
Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing condemned the killings as “barbaric and cold-blooded”, saying no cause or grievance could justify the killing of innocent civilians. Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip described the incidents as a grave tragedy and urged security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible and prevent further loss of life.
The legislators offered condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the recovery of the injured. The killings took place as the Kuki-Zo community observed Sahnit Ni, or Black Day, in remembrance of victims of past violence.
