Imphal, 07 September (HS): Naga legislators in Manipur on Monday boycotted the final sitting of the ongoing Assembly session, protesting the alleged abduction and killing of Leilon Vaiphei and demanding a thorough investigation into the case.

Naga MLA Awangbow Newmai announced the decision, stating that the legislators chose to stay away from the proceedings over what they described as the failure to deliver justice in the case.

Newmai alleged that eyewitness accounts indicated the involvement of a leader of the Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P) in the incident and claimed that the person was the husband of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. He called for an impartial probe to establish the facts and fix responsibility.

The Naga MLAs also demanded that Nemcha Kipgen be removed from the post of Deputy Chief Minister until the investigation into the allegations concerning her husband is completed.

The development comes amid heightened political tensions in Manipur over allegations involving armed groups and attacks on civilians. Earlier, nine Naga legislators, including Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, had approached Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking action against Kuki leaders over alleged involvement in attacks and killings of Naga civilians.

The legislators had also raised allegations of collusion involving Nemcha Kipgen's office and the KNF-P and sought appropriate action.

The alleged abduction and killing of Leilon Vaiphei has become a major issue for Naga legislators, who have been pressing for a probe and accountability for those responsible.

Monday's sitting was the concluding day of the eighth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, which commenced on September 2.

The allegations against Nemcha Kipgen's husband and the KNF-P have not been established and remain subject to investigation and due legal process.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash