United Naga Council announces a 24-hour shutdown across Naga areas and places four demands after the recovery of the remains of six Naga hostages in Manipur.
Imphal, June 10: The United Naga Council (UNC) has announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas from 6 am on June 11 to 6 am on June 12 following the recovery of the remains of six Naga hostages who had been missing since May 13.
In a press statement issued on June 10, the council said the hopes of the Naga people following the release of 14 Kuki detainees on June 9 were shattered after the bodies of the six Naga hostages were recovered during search operations.
According to the UNC, the six civilians had been taken hostage by villagers from Leilon Vaiphei and members of the Kuki National Front-President group (KNF-P) on May 13. The council alleged that the six were found dead and described the remains as mutilated and dismembered.
The organisation condemned the killings in strong terms, calling them a gross violation of human rights and an attack on the dignity of innocent civilians.
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The council also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and said it stood in solidarity with them during their time of grief.
The UNC said the incident had caused immense pain not only to the families of the victims but also to the Naga community as a whole.
It stated that the killings had shaken public confidence in the government's ability to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians. The council further described the incident as a direct challenge to the collective identity and security of the Naga people.
As a mark of protest and to demand justice, the UNC declared a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga areas beginning at 6 am on June 11 and ending at 6 am on June 12.
The organisation appealed to the public to observe the shutdown peacefully and remain united in seeking justice for the victims.
The council further announced that the mortal remains of the six Naga hostages would not be received by their families or the community until its demands are addressed and justice is delivered by both the Government of Manipur and the Government of India.
On the other hand, the mortal remains of the six Naga civilians were brought to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal, late on June 10 for post-mortem examination. The arrival of the bodies drew a large gathering of people, including family members of the victims, community leaders, and members of the public.
A significant number of Naga residents assembled at the hospital through the night as grief and anger spread across Naga areas following confirmation of the deaths. Family members of the victims were seen waiting at the medical facility as authorities completed the necessary medico-legal procedures before the bodies could be handed over. The gathering reflected the widespread emotional impact of the incident among the Naga community.
Meanwhile, UNC placed four demands before the state and central governments:
1. Abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement
The council demanded the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups.
2. Arrest and Prosecution of Those Involved
The UNC called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all KNF-P personnel allegedly involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians, including two pastors, from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13.
The council also demanded action against those responsible for the killing of six of the abducted civilians.
In addition, it sought the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Lalboi Vaiphei, Chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, along with all other individuals allegedly involved in the abduction of the 18 civilians.
The statement also referred to the killing of Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek on the same day and demanded action against those responsible.
3. Declaration of KNF-P as a Terrorist Organisation
The UNC demanded that the Kuki National Front-President Group (KNF-P) be declared a terrorist organisation.
4. Removal of Minister Nemcha Kipgen
The council sought the immediate removal of Manipur Minister Nemcha Kipgen from the state cabinet.
The statement alleged that the minister's wife is the mother of Semtinthang Kipgen, whom it identified as the president of KNF-P. The UNC alleged complicity of the militant group in the killings and stated that her continuation in office would affect public confidence and raise concerns relating to internal security.
The UNC maintained that its demands were necessary to restore public trust and ensure accountability. The council urged citizens to support the shutdown peacefully and continue pressing for justice for the six victims.
