IMPHAL, September 11: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho abstained from a Cabinet meeting at the Civil Secretariat on September 10, citing the collective position and sentiments of the Naga Legislators’ Forum and the participation of fellow Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
In a statement, Dikho said he chose not to attend the meeting “for the sake of the Naga people”, stating that he considered it inappropriate to participate in Cabinet proceedings when, according to him, people allegedly involved in creating unrest were part of the meeting.
Dikho levelled allegations against Nemcha Kipgen and her husband, Thangboi Kipgen, whom he identified as the head of the Kuki National Front (President), or KNF(P). He alleged that Thangboi Kipgen was responsible for violence against Naga people and claimed that Nemcha Kipgen had shared state secrets and colluded with her husband.
He also alleged that six Naga civilians had been killed and mutilated and claimed their bodies remained unclaimed at a morgue. Dikho criticised the authorities for what he described as a lack of action against those responsible and questioned Nemcha Kipgen’s continued participation in the state government.
Dikho said the situation was deeply disturbing and accused the authorities of failing to take adequate steps to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
He clarified that his decision to abstain from the Cabinet meeting should not be viewed as a withdrawal from his responsibilities as Deputy Chief Minister.
Dikho reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Manipur and said he would continue working towards peace, unity, understanding and harmonious coexistence among communities in the state.
