Naga Army of NSCN-K (Ang Mai) group has claimed responsibility for the killing of ‘maj.’ Manwang Leipha of NSCN-K (Yung Aung) group, on January 23 at around 7:30 p.m. IST in Longphaoh village, Tizit area, Mon district.
In a press statement issued through its MIP, the group said that despite repeated initiatives by NSCN-K to promote peace and unity, including the unconditional release of several YA cadres along with their weapons, the YA group responded with hostility.
MIP claimed that a direct attack at Khammataing village resulted in the deaths of two of its cadres– ‘lieut.’ Avi of Pochury region and ‘sgt.’ Peyao Konyak of Konyak region.
MIP claimed that Leipha had been actively involved in hostile activities in the area and was repeatedly warned by the Naga Army to cease his actions. His village authorities were also informed but allegedly failed to restrain him, it added.
According to NSCN-K (Ang Mai), in retaliation for the attack at Khammataing village and in view of Leipha’s continued anti-NSCN-K activities, a special unit of the Naga Army carried out the “capital punishment”.
NSCN (YA) condemns killing of cadre in Tizit
DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): The NSCN-K (Yung Aung) has expressed deep shock and anguish over the murder of ‘maj.’ Manwang Leipha Konyak of the Naga Army at Tizit, Mon district, on the evening of January 23. The group alleged that the killing was carried out by the “Angmai-Mulatonu (pro-India) faction.”
In statement, NSCN (YA) though its MIP said that the group had once again unleashed their “atrocity and brutality” against NSCN/GPRN members, carrying out a well-coordinated attack that led to the killing of an unarmed officer. MIP described the act as “cowardly and shameful,” saying it exposed the inhumanity and cruelty of the perpetrators. MIP added that no propaganda could justify the killing of an innocent officer solely for being a member of the Yung Aung-led NSCN/GPRN.
MIP said that at the time of his murder, late ‘maj.’ Manwang was on medical leave after being released from an Indian jail last month. MIP claimed that he was killed at point-blank range by armed assailants allegedly led by ‘brig.’ Noktha of Angmai group, who is also said to have been involved in the 2023 killing of Haiwang, a central council member of NSCN/GPRN, at Tizit.
MIP added that, having no courage to face NSCN/GPRN on open ground, the group resorted to spreading fear through targeted killings. MIP accused the assailants, in alleged collusion with Indian agencies, of attempting to suppress NSCN/GPRN by eliminating unsuspecting and innocent members. The group strongly condemned the killing and stated that it was taking the matter very seriously.
MIP said that late Manwang had served the Naga nation with dedication and commitment, and that NSCN/GPRN, along with the entire Naga Army, honored and saluted him for his selfless sacrifice.
Meanwhile, MIP said the commander-in-chief of the Naga Army posthumously promoted Manwang to the rank of ‘lieut. col. in recognition of his service.
The group also extended condolences to his bereaved family, praying for his soul to rest in peace.