The Naga Army (NSCN-K Ang Mai) has taken full responsibility for the killing of Maj Manwang Leipha of the NSCN (K) Yung Aung group  on January 23 last in Longphaoh village, Tizit, Mon district.

In a press release, the MIP, GPRN stated that despite repeated initiatives by the NSCN-K to promote peace and unity, including the unconditional release of several of Yung Aung cadres along with their seized weapons, the Yung Aung group has responded with hostility.

“A direct attack was carried out by the YA group against the Naga Army at Khammataing village, resulting in the loss of two of our cadres, Lieut. Avi of Pochury Region and Sgt Peyao Konyak of the Konyak Region,” it claimed.

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It further stated that Maj Manwang Leipha was an active cadre of Yung Aung group and had been continuously involved in hostile activities in that area. Stating that he was warned on multiple occasions by the Naga Army to cease his anti NSCN-K activities, the group said his village authorities were also informed and urged to restrain his actions, however, they failed to take responsibility on his behalf.

It said in view of his continued anti NSCN-K activities and in retaliation for the killing of their cadres at Khammatiang village, the Naga Army’s special unit carried out capital punishment against Maj Manwang Leipha.