KANGPOKPI, November 1: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing have condemned the killing of two 20-year-old youths from Taphou Kuki Village, demanding a thorough investigation and swift justice while appealing against any escalation of violence.
Paoginal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi, who were reportedly abducted on October 28, were killed on Sunday, triggering widespread grief among their families and community.
In a statement issued from Kangpokpi, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen expressed profound sadness and shock over the killings, saying the hopes for the safe return of the two youths had ended in tragedy.
Extending her deepest condolences to the bereaved families, Kipgen described the incident as a heinous crime that must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice without delay.
“The families deserve swift justice,” she stated, while renewing her appeal to all concerned not to allow the tragedy to trigger further violence.
Meanwhile, Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing strongly condemned what she described as the brutal and cold-blooded killing of the two youths, reportedly perpetrated by Kacha-Naga militants NSCN-IM and their allies.
In her statement, Hangshing said the incident represented a grave assault on human dignity, the fundamental right to life and the principles of peace and coexistence. She observed that the loss of two young lives had plunged their bereaved families, village and wider community into profound grief.
“There can be no justification, no excuse and no moral defence for the deliberate taking of innocent human lives,” she asserted, adding that political ambition, ethnic hostility, territorial disputes or armed affiliations could never supersede the sanctity of human life.
The Saikul legislator called upon the competent authorities to initiate an immediate, impartial and thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that all those responsible, including individuals found to have aided or abetted the crime, were identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
She further urged the Government of Manipur, the Government of India and concerned law-enforcement agencies to take urgent and concrete measures to ensure civilian safety, prevent further bloodshed and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
Hangshing emphasised that no individual or organisation should be allowed to evade accountability on the grounds of political influence or armed affiliation, stressing that justice must neither be selective nor compromised.
Both legislators expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and reiterated the need for accountability, justice and protection of innocent lives, while calling for restraint to prevent further violence.
