The United Naga Council (UNC) has strongly condemned the killing of six Naga hostages, whose remains were reportedly recovered in a mutilated and dismembered condition.
As mark of peaceful protest and to demand justice, UNC announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga areas from 6 am of June 11 to 6 am of June 12.
In a press note, UNC said the prayerful expectation of the Nagas following the release of 14 Kuki detainees on June 9 was shattered by the recovery of the bodies of six Naga hostages, who were abducted on May 13 by Leilon Vaiphei villagers and KNF(P) militants.
The council termed the incident a gross violation of human rights and disrespect for the dignity of human persons, and condemned what it described as a “sacrilegious and satanic act” against innocent Naga civilians.
UNC expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and said the incident had caused immense pain to the Nagas and shaken public confidence in the government’s ability to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians. It further stated that the incident was a direct challenge to the collective identity and security of Nagas. The council appealed to citizens to observe the shutdown peacefully and stated that the mortal remains of the six hostages would not be received until its demands were addressed by the Manipur government and the Government of India.
Meanwhile, UNC put forth a four-point charter of demands, which called for abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups; immediate arrest and prosecution of KNF(P) personnel involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians including two pastors on May 13 and subsequent cold blooded murder of six Nagas including the murder of Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek on the same day.
Further, UNC demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Lalboi Vaiphei, chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, along with all individuals involved in the abduction of the 18 Naga civilians.
The council also sought declaration of the Kuki National Front-President Group (KNF-P) as a terrorist organisation.
In addition, UNC demanded the immediate removal of Manipur deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen from office, alleging that her husband, Semtinthang alias Thangboi Kipgen, president of KNF-P, was complicit in the killing of the Naga civilians.
According to UNC, Nemcha’s removal would help restore public trust and confidence in the state government. It further claimed that her continuation in office would amount to a compromise of internal security concerns of both the state and the nation.
UNC calls 24-hour shutdown across Naga areas; demands removal of Manipur Dy CM Nemcha Kipgen
