Minister Letpao Haokip refutes “Masterminding Drone-bombing at Koutruk”

Imphal: Tribal Affairs and Hills, Horticulture and Soil Conservation minister of Manipur, Letpao Haokip refutted the allegation, by Bharat Hindu Mahasena, Delhi, against him of masterminding drone-bombing at Koutruk village in Imphal West district by narco-terrorists on Sunday that brought human casualties.

Minister Letpao was among the 10 Kuki MLAs of Manipur who demanded Seperate Administration for the Kuki community following the Meitei-Kuki conflict that erupted on May 3 last year, the day Kuki launched attack to Meitei people and villages.

He and the other nine MLAs have been abstaining from Manipur Legislative Assembly for three consecutive sessions.

In a Rebuttal released on Wednesday, the minister said, “It has come to my knowledge that a little-known organisation Bharat Hindu Mahasena, Delhi has dragged my name and accused me of masterminding ‘drone-bombing’ at Koutruk in Imphal West district and put up Rs 1 lakh on my head. Quoting a press release of the so-called Bharat Hindu Mahasena, Delhi, ‘Khongthang News’ announced that I should surrender to the Bharat Hindu Mahasena’s North East headquarters Shillong within 10 days.”

“It is hard to comprehend the logic behind dragging my name in the recent Koutruk incident which is already under the scanner of the security forces and other agencies. Since the beginning, I have been convinced that violence would not be the solution to the problem and of the firm belief that an unbiased understanding of the issue and logical and mature dealing with the matter is the key for lasting peace in the region.”

“Since May 3, 2023, violence in Imphal Valley has been so strong that even we, elected representatives, are not spared. One of our colleagues is still recuperating following a brutal and frenzied assault by unruly mobs while the rest of us were forced to leave our homes and hearths in Imphal Valley. We already have had our own share of violence. As such, I am in no way connected to any violence throughout these 14 months of unrest and shall not associate in the days to come. In the light of these facts, there is no question of me surrendering or giving in to someone for actions which is not related to me.”

“It is very unfortunate that the so-called Bharat Hindu Mahasena, Delhi has come up with a religious angle to the ongoing conflict when people from both the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities flatly rejected the interpretation of the Manipur violence in terms of religion. The origin and motives of this organisation need to be traced by all concerned.”

“It is also pertinent to question the integrity of the media house which runs a press release of little-known organisations who resorted to wild allegations and spreading misinformation. I may be compelled to seek legal recourse against all elements conspiring against me with unfounded and baseless allegations,” Letpao Haokip said.