United Naga Council has approached the UNPFII seeking international intervention over alleged human rights violations, border issues and the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur.
Imphal, July 25: The United Naga Council (UNC) has submitted an urgent communication to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) and several UN Special Procedures mandate holders, seeking international intervention over what it describes as alleged violations of the rights of Indigenous Naga communities in Manipur, including claims relating to cross-border violence, territorial issues, and the killings of six Naga civilians earlier this year.
The four-page communication, dated July 24, 2026, states that it was submitted by the UNC, which describes itself as the apex traditional civilian body representing Naga tribes in Manipur. The document alleges that an "escalating, state-tolerated proxy conflict" along the Indo-Myanmar frontier has resulted in serious human rights concerns and seeks international oversight into the situation.
According to the submission, the UNC has requested the UNPFII and Special Rapporteurs to examine what it characterises as structural failures in domestic law enforcement, alleged links between armed violence and territorial issues, and the protection of Indigenous rights under international human rights instruments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Allegations over border realignment
One of the principal issues raised in the communication concerns an alleged proposal involving the transfer of approximately 1.4 square miles of land in Chandel district along the Indo-Myanmar border.
The UNC claims that leaked government documents indicate that authorities are considering a border adjustment without obtaining the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Indigenous communities. The organisation argues that such a move would violate provisions of UNDRIP relating to Indigenous land rights and consultation.
The communication also alleges that the proposed border fencing project and the identification of certain disputed border pillars could facilitate territorial adjustments affecting traditional Naga lands. These assertions are presented by the UNC as part of its appeal to the UN, but the document does not include any response from the Government of India regarding the allegations.
Killings of six Naga civilians
A substantial section of the communication focuses on the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians following an incident at Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, 2026.
According to the UNC, 18 civilians, including women, an infant and church leaders, were allegedly abducted by an armed group. The organisation states that while 12 women and the infant were later released, six men remained in captivity. Their bodies were recovered on June 10.
The communication identifies the deceased as Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Pastor Kenpibou Chawang, Phenrongwibou Thiumai, Phenrilungbou Chawang, Dilip Thiumai and Kaliwangbou Abonmai. The UNC characterises the killings as extrajudicial executions and alleges custodial torture, urging an independent international investigation.
The killings had earlier triggered widespread condemnation across Naga civil society organisations in Manipur, which demanded accountability and justice for the victims.
Cross-border attacks highlighted
The submission also details alleged attacks on Naga villages along the Indo-Myanmar border.
According to the UNC, around 100 armed cadres belonging to the Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) allegedly launched coordinated attacks on May 7 against the villages of Z Choro, Namlee-Wanglee and Kaka.
It further alleges that another coordinated attack took place on July 1 in Kamjong district after a Kuki village was set on fire, resulting in attacks on Tangkhul Naga settlements and the destruction of 25 houses. The communication claims that drones, rocket-propelled grenades and other heavy weapons were used during the attacks.
The document also alleges that security personnel stationed nearby did not intervene. These allegations are made by the UNC in its submission and have not been independently verified.
Questions over domestic investigations
The UNC argues that domestic legal remedies have been compromised due to what it describes as institutional conflicts of interest.
The submission refers to the alleged involvement of members of the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P), which it says is part of the United People's Front (UPF), and raises concerns regarding political links involving Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen's family.
The communication also refers to an FIR that allegedly names a serving police personnel as a co-conspirator in the handover of abducted civilians to militants.
These allegations are contained in the UNC submission. No response from the individuals or authorities named in the document is included in the communication.
Appeal to the United Nations
In its concluding section, the UNC requests the United Nations to take several measures, including issuing an urgent appeal to the Government of India to halt any alleged border exchange or re-demarcation until Indigenous communities are consulted through the FPIC process.
The organisation has also sought the appointment of an independent fact-finding mission to investigate the alleged links between the border fencing project, cross-border attacks and the killings of six Naga civilians.
Additionally, the communication calls on the UN to urge India to ensure an impartial investigation into the Leilon abduction and killings and to hold all those responsible accountable under due process.
The UNC has further requested that the Government of India honour the provisions of the 2015 Indo-Naga Framework Agreement while ensuring that any future border-related decisions do not affect ancestral Naga territories without consultation.
