Imphal, June 24 | EKHON: The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has criticized the COBRA unit of the CRPF and Assam Rifles for allowing armed militants to escape security cordon in Leilon Vaiphei on June 21. The committee alleged the operation shifted to negotiations after Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen intervened, leading to deadline extensions and eventual troop withdrawal.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FNCC claimed that security forces had engaged in an exchange of gunfire with armed members of the Kuki National Front (Progressive) [KNF(P)], United Kuki National Army (UKNA), and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA). According to the organization, the operation reportedly involved the use of explosives after security personnel came under attack.
The FNCC alleged that nearly 100 armed militants belonging to the three groups had been surrounded during the operation, presenting what it described as a significant opportunity to apprehend individuals allegedly involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians and the killing of six others.
However, the committee claimed that the operation shifted toward negotiations following the intervention of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. The FNCC alleged that discussions involving senior political and security officials resulted in repeated extensions of deadlines and ultimately the withdrawal of security forces from the area.
According to the FNCC, the withdrawal allowed the militants to leave the area and relocate to the KNF(P) Ebenezer Camp and nearby locations. The organization questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision and called for greater transparency regarding the conduct of the operation.
“The people deserve clear and unequivocal answers,” the statement said, expressing concern that no arrests were made despite the reported presence of a large number of armed militants.
The FNCC further alleged that those responsible for the abduction of Naga civilians and the killing of six individuals remain at large. It argued that the outcome of the operation has weakened public confidence in law enforcement efforts and created a perception that certain militant groups are not being subjected to decisive action.
The committee called for accountability from security agencies and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible for acts of violence are identified and prosecuted. It also demanded greater transparency regarding the planning, execution, and withdrawal of the operation.
