MBC urges the Manipur government to expedite the investigation into six slain Liangmai Naga civilians, provide support to bereaved families and facilitate a dignified burial.
Imphal, August 28: The Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) has urged the Manipur government to expedite the investigation into the killing of six Liangmai Naga civilians and facilitate the dignified burial of their mortal remains, which it said have remained at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary for more than 100 days.
A delegation of the MBC led by General Secretary Rev. Dr Jolly Rimai met Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho at his office at the Civil Secretariat, Mantripukhri, on Friday and submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
The delegation included Rev. Jackson Sapunii, Youth and Education Secretary of the MBC, and Rev. Dr Molarhring, Peace and Development Director.
According to the MBC, the memorandum sought justice for the six Liangmai Naga civilians who, it stated, were abducted and killed on May 13, 2026. The Convention expressed concern over what it described as the prolonged delay in resolving the case and said the victims' families continue to face hardship while awaiting the remains for burial.
The memorandum contained a three-point charter of demands: immediate and direct justice, support for the bereaved families, and safe passage for the burial of the victims.
The MBC called for the investigation to be fast-tracked so that all those responsible for the abduction and killings, including alleged masterminds, could be identified and prosecuted in accordance with law.
It also sought comprehensive legal, financial and emotional support for the bereaved families, who, according to the Convention, have been affected by the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the case.
On the burial issue, the MBC urged the government to provide security and necessary state facilitation to enable the families to claim the mortal remains from JNIMS and conduct a dignified Christian burial.
In its appeal dated August 27, the Convention said more than 100 days had passed since the incident and expressed concern that the continued presence of the remains at the mortuary had affected public sentiment and contributed to mistrust.
The MBC further argued that lasting peace in Manipur could not be achieved without accountability for serious crimes. It appealed to the government to apply the law equally and transparently and take steps to prevent further escalation.
The Convention also referred to the release of 14 Kuki detainees by the United Naga Council following their reported 27-day custody with Naga Village Guards. It described the release as a gesture made in response to appeals for peace and humanitarian intervention.
The MBC alleged that the six Liangmai civilians held captive were not released and that their bodies were subsequently recovered on June 10. The Convention's memorandum and appeal described the condition of the recovered remains as severely mutilated.
These allegations form part of the MBC's appeal and have not, in the material provided, been independently established through a government investigation or court finding.
During Friday's meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho heard the grievances raised by the MBC representatives. He assured the delegation that the matter would be looked into and that necessary government support and assistance would be extended, according to the statement issued by the Convention.
The MBC said it remains committed to justice, peace and coexistence and urged the state government to act without further delay to address the concerns of the families and help restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
