Widespread condemnation followed the killing of Chunjanglung Panmei, with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Naga bodies demanding justice as thousands joined a candlelight vigil in Tamenglong.
Imphal, June 8: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, Naga civil society organisations, student bodies and community groups on Monday strongly condemned the killing of Chunjanglung Panmei of Pongringlong village, while thousands gathered at Jadonang Park in Tamenglong headquarters for a candlelight vigil demanding justice and accountability for the incident.
The killing drew condemnation from the Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council (JTC)-Manipur, Joint Tribes Students' Association (JTSA), Naga People's Organisation (NPO), Senapati, All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Coordination Committee Longmai Area (CCLA), MLA Janghemlung Panmei and Chief Minister Y Khemchand, all of whom called for the perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice.
In a public notice issued ahead of the programme, the JTC-Manipur called upon people to gather at Jadonang Park at 6.30 pm to honour what it described as the sacrifice of Chunjanglung Panmei and to collectively express grief over the loss.
The victim was identified as Chunjanglung Panmei, aged around 57 years, son of late Kamuga Panmei of Pongringlong Rongmei Naga Village. While different organisations cited varying circumstances surrounding the incident, all condemned the killing and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
The candlelight vigil witnessed a large turnout as residents stood in silence holding candles and offering prayers for the departed soul. Community leaders described the incident as a grave loss not only for the bereaved family but also for the wider Zeliangrong and Naga communities.
The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council (JTC)-Manipur and the Joint Tribes Students' Association (JTSA) issued a strongly worded condemnation statement, alleging that the killing was carried out by cadres of the KNF(P) operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement.
The JTC-Manipur alleged that the attack took place on the morning of June 8 at Pongringlong village and described it as a brutal act against an innocent civilian. The organisation further alleged involvement and assistance from Indian security forces, a claim for which no official response was immediately available.
The statement termed the killing an attack on the rights and security of indigenous communities and demanded accountability from the authorities.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also expressed anguish over the incident and strongly condemned the killing.
In a statement, the Chief Minister identified the victim as Chunjanglung Panmei, son of late Kamuga Panmei of Pongringlong Part-I, Rongmei Naga Village in Kangpokpi district. He described the incident as a heinous and cowardly act of violence against an innocent civilian.
The Chief Minister said state police and central paramilitary forces had already launched operations to identify and apprehend those responsible. He assured that all possible support and assistance would be extended to the bereaved family during the period of mourning.
Appealing for calm, he urged all communities not to fall prey to provocations and to cooperate with authorities in maintaining peace and law and order.
Condemnation also came from MLA Janghemlung Panmei, who said he was deeply saddened by the killing of the villager.
According to the MLA's statement, the victim was allegedly attacked by armed militants at around 5 am while on his way to repair a drinking water pipeline serving the village. He condemned the act in the strongest terms and said such violence ran contrary to the aspirations of people seeking peace and stability in Manipur.
The legislator expressed condolences to the family and assured that the government remained committed to restoring peace and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice under the law.
The Coordination Committee Longmai Area (CCLA) also condemned the incident and alleged that the victim was killed by militants belonging to a Kuki armed group operating under the SoO arrangement.
The organisation claimed the attack occurred while villagers were engaged in repairing a damaged water supply line. It urged law enforcement agencies to take swift action and demanded that those responsible be brought before the law.
The committee further called on the government to dismantle SoO camps in the region, arguing that such incidents continued to threaten peace and communal harmony.
One of the strongest reactions came from the Naga People's Organisation (NPO), Senapati, which described the killing as "cold-blooded and inhuman."
The organisation alleged that the victim sustained multiple bullet injuries and was subjected to severe physical violence before his death. According to the NPO, the attack was allegedly carried out by cadres of the KNF-P while the victim was in a nearby forest collecting firewood.
The organisation said the victim had been targeted because of his Naga identity and termed the incident a serious violation of human dignity and the rule of law.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family and the residents of Pongringlong village, the NPO called for a thorough and time-bound investigation. It warned that failure to take prompt action would further undermine peace, security and communal harmony in the region.
The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) also issued a press communique condemning what it described as a growing pattern of violence, intimidation, abductions and attacks against civilians across Naga-inhabited areas.
ANSAM alleged that the victim was among Rongmei Naga village guards who came under attack by Kuki armed militants and said the incident ultimately resulted in the death of Chunjanglung Panmei after he was initially reported missing.
The students' body described the attack as deliberate and unprovoked and linked it to a broader series of unresolved incidents involving killings, abductions and attacks on civilians in different parts of the state.
The organisation questioned the effectiveness of both the Manipur government and the Government of India in addressing the continuing security situation, citing what it described as a lack of accountability and delayed justice in several cases.
ANSAM also referred to other recent incidents, including civilian killings and unresolved abductions, arguing that the absence of decisive action had created fear and uncertainty among communities.
The association called for impartial investigations into all reported incidents, accountability for perpetrators and immediate efforts to determine the fate of six allegedly abducted Naga hostages whose whereabouts remain unknown.
As candles illuminated Jadonang Park on Monday evening, speakers at the vigil urged authorities to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and transparently. Participants observed moments of silence and offered prayers for the deceased while expressing solidarity with the bereaved family.
The killing of Chunjanglung Panmei has triggered widespread concern across Naga civil society organisations, many of which have demanded immediate action from both state and central authorities. With multiple organisations calling for accountability and a comprehensive investigation, the incident is expected to further intensify discussions surrounding security, inter-community relations and the implementation of the Suspension of Operations arrangement in Manipur.
