Manipur: Shutdown announced in Naga areas; outrage over recovery of bodies of six civilians
Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) has announced a 24-hour total shutdown in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, effective from 6 AM on June 11 to 6 AM on June 12. This announcement follows the recovery of the bodies of six civilians who had been abducted on May 13.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the UNC noted that hopes had been raised within Naga communities following the release of 14 Kuki detainees on June 9. However, the Council stated that these hopes were dashed upon receiving the news that the bodies of the six hostages had been recovered.
Condemning the incident, the Council termed it a grave violation of human rights and expressed its condolences to the bereaved families.
According to the UNC, this incident has sparked widespread concern among Naga communities and raised questions regarding the safety of civilians. The organization stated that these killings have eroded public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
The Council appealed to the public to observe the shutdown peacefully in support of the demand for justice for the victims and their families.
The UNC further announced that the bodies of the six deceased would not be formally accepted until the Manipur government and the Government of India met its demands.
Among its demands, the Council has called for the abrogation of the ‘Suspension of Operations’ (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups. It has also demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) personnel allegedly involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians—including two pastors—from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, as well as action against those allegedly responsible for the killing of the six hostages and Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek on the same day. The organization has also demanded the arrest and prosecution of Lalboi Vaiphei—the chief of Leilon Vaiphei village—and all others allegedly involved in the abduction of 18 citizens.
Furthermore, the UNC has demanded that the KNF-P be declared a terrorist organization. It has also called for the removal of Manipur’s Deputy Chief Minister, Nemcha Kipgen. The organization alleges a conflict of interest arising from her marital ties to Semtinthang, alias Thangboi Kipgen (identified by the organization as the president of the KNF-P).
This call for a shutdown comes amidst heightened tension in the hill districts of Manipur. The tension arose following the discovery of the bodies of six Naga individuals, just a day after 14 Kuki-Zo people were released by the Naga Village Guards.
