Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho alleged that an underground outfit operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement was responsible for the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure strict action against those involved in the incident.
Dikho described the killing of the six Naga civilians as a “shocking and unacceptable act” that has deeply disturbed the people of Manipur.
According to allegations, the six Naga civilians were abducted on May 13 from the Leilon Vaiphei area of Kangpokpi district by a group of women belonging to the Kuki community. The abduction reportedly followed twin ambushes by unidentified armed individuals in Noney and Kangpokpi districts, in which four people, including a Naga civilian and three church leaders, were killed.
Strongly condemning the recovery of the mutilated bodies of the six Nagas, Dikho said that acts such as killing people and mutilating their bodies cannot be tolerated.
Without naming any specific armed group, the Deputy Chief Minister claimed that those responsible belonged to an organisation covered under the SoO arrangement. He appealed to the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure that armed groups operating under the agreement are brought under control.
“I appeal to the Prime Minister that those under the SoO agreement should be controlled and the situation should be brought under control. We love peace and want to continue living peacefully,” Dikho said.
He said the incident highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to restore law and order in Manipur, which has been facing prolonged ethnic tensions and security challenges. He also called for an end to religious discrimination and persecution, stressing the importance of protecting India’s secular character.
The incident has created concern among Naga communities, with several civil society organisations demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible and stronger action against armed groups operating under the SoO pact.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that the case related to the killing of the six Naga civilians has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Reacting to demands for the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, Khemchand said such demands were natural during times of public distress.
“Law is above all of us. Anyone found involved, whether an MLA, officer or minister, will face punishment according to the law,” he said.
On the SoO agreement, the Chief Minister said lasting peace would remain difficult unless illegal weapons were surrendered.
“Until and unless arms are disarmed, peace cannot be fully restored. Discussions are underway with security agencies regarding disarmament,” he said.
Khemchand also announced that an additional CoBRA battalion would be deployed to strengthen security operations, stating that the state police alone faced challenges in covering the entire state during counter-insurgency operations.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said authorities have identified all six victims and are examining the demands raised by apex Naga organisations before handing over the bodies to their families.
“We have already identified the six bodies. There are certain demands from apex Naga organisations that the government is examining. Until those issues are addressed, it may take some time to hand over the bodies to their families,” he said.
Regarding demands for the abrogation of the SoO agreement, the Home Minister said the pact was signed jointly by the Centre and the state government and that discussions on the matter were continuing with the Union government.
The Manipur government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice in the case while strengthening security measures as efforts continue to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
