Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 04:
Reacting very strongly against the action of NSCN (IM) in which ten KLA cadres were killed by the former at Tangkhul Hundung under Litan Police Station, the information and publicity secretary of the KLA, Malsawm Kuki has asked the IM leadership to return the arms taken away from the slain men as well as to make up for the killing by paying the customary fines.
In a statement, Malsawm alleged that 10 KLA cadres led by Timothy Kuki and Sgt Jonah were killed without any reason by the IM cadres and added that Timothy along with his 11 men were called by the NSCN (IM) cadres to talk about an internal affair.
After the meeting got over, the NSCN (IM) cadres suddenly opened fire killing ten KLA cadres while two others managed to escape.
The KLA has asked the NSCN (IM) to return the seized weapons within a short period, between September 5 and 7 and added that the killing should be compensated according to Kuki�s customary law.
If the condition laid down by the KLA is not followed then the outfit will follow the policy of an eye for an eye, added the statement.
In another statement Addy Kuki of the KLA said that the NSCN (IM) should clarify the reason for the killings.
According to Addy Kuki the KLA cadres were under the command of Home Secy Timothy Kuki while the IM men were under the command of Paiso CO of Kaqchimung Bn Singkap.
Timothy went to the village after getting the permission from Ayo Tangkhul on August 31. The cadres of NSCN (IM) and KLA met at Hundung Khunou village and stayed together for 2 days, alleged Addy and added that when the KLA cadres wanted to leave, the IM cadres ensured to drop them by two Jeeps.
The first Jeep was occupied by the KLA cadres with the IM cadres sitting on the second Jeep.Even as the sitting arrangement was made a Sgt of the IM group ordered his men to fire and 10 KLA cadres were killed in cold blood, alleged the statement.
Luckily the Home Secy and one of his men managed to escape the attack, said the statement further.The KLA has demanded an explanation from the NSCN (IM) for the killings.
Meanwhile the bodies of nine out of 10 KLA cadres slain in Tangkhul Hundung under Litan police station yesterday morning have been brought to RIMS morgue this evening.
names of the nine could be known even though other particulars like age, exact addresses etc could not be ascertained.
The deceased include Joanah Kipgen (21), Lewis of Assam, Jampao Khongsai of Kamu Lamlai, Tilsei Khongsai of Saijang, Lelet Lupheng Zilkhai of Saikul, Vikum Lhanghal of Churachandpur, Papao Lhanghal and Jimmy Vaiphei.