The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) has called for a 12-hour shutdown across Senapati district of Manipur on September 28 in protest against the killing of three Naga civilians at Kailenjang village and demanding justice for the victims.
According to the NPO, the shutdown will begin at 6 pm on September 28 and continue until 6 pm the following day. The organisation has appealed to people across the district to extend their cooperation during the protest.
The NPO has also included the movement of military convoys in its call.
The organisation said the decision followed an armed attack at Kailenjang on September 26 in which four Naga civilians were allegedly targeted. The NPO claimed that two people died at the spot, while another injured person died during treatment. One other civilian is currently undergoing medical treatment.
Expressing concern over the incident, the NPO demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the attack, calling for all those involved in the killings and the injury of the survivor to be identified and prosecuted according to law.
The organisation also raised questions over statements attributed to Lhingjajoi Hangshing, described by it as the former village chief of Kailenjang. The NPO alleged that Hangshing no longer exercised customary or administrative authority over the village and questioned her reported claim regarding arrangements made for the village during her absence.
It also urged her not to make statements or representations concerning the village which, according to the organisation, could create confusion amid the prevailing tension.
The organisation also rejected what it described as allegations portraying the Naga community as hostile towards civilians and maintained that Naga society respects human life and has traditionally stood for the protection of non-combatants.
The NPO further alleged that Kuki refugees were involved in the Kailenjang attack and accused Hangshing of having a role in guiding the attackers. These allegations were made by the organisation in its statement and have not been independently established.
The group said the September 28 shutdown would be both a mourning programme for the three civilians who lost their lives and a demonstration seeking accountability
It also expressed concern over the condition of the surviving injured civilian, who, according to the organisation, is receiving treatment at Getwell Clinic in Senapati.
The organisation has appealed to residents, businesses and other stakeholders in Senapati district to observe the shutdown and support its demand for justice.
NPO Calls 12-Hour Senapati Shutdown Over Killing of Three Naga Civilians
