Naga bodies strike united stand against massacre

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 20: Several Naga organisations have condemned the cold-blooded killing of three Meitei civilians by Kuki militants at Sunurok Uyok, Khongbal Tangkhul, yesterday.
While the United Naga Council (UNC) demanded justice for the slain individuals, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) maintained that the strictest action, both at the political and administrative levels, should be taken to put an end to "all such criminal and terrorist activities once and for all".
The Naga People's Organisation (NPO), on the other hand, called upon all indigenous communities to stand united in safeguarding "our people, land and collective future" while confronting threats to the safety and security of "our communities".
The Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO) appealed to the State Government and the authorities concerned to take appropriate measures to ensure a transparent inquiry in accordance with established procedures.
Meanwhile, the Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, Manipur (LNKRM), asserted that indigenous people cannot be condemned to live in perpetual fear and demanded an impartial and time-bound investigation, the prosecution of all those responsible, an immediate end to bloodshed and a decisive action to protect the indigenous communities.
UNC
The United Naga Council, in no uncertain terms, condemned the "continuing, premeditated, and cowardly targeting of innocent civilians by armed Kuki militants in Manipur."
The victims had gone to collect firewood when they were ambushed in a "premeditated attack" at Khongbal Sunurok Uyok hills, claiming the lives of three civilians, namely Arubam Ronil, Lairenlakpam Inaoba, and Ksh Sushil, it said.
In a separate incident, innocent Nepalese civilians travelling along the Imphal-Ukhrul road were also deliberately targeted and attacked by the Kuki militants, it claimed.
The UNC said that the targeting of Meiteis in their fields and Nepalese on the public highway proves that no civilian, no traveller, and no community is safe.
These "excessive acts" of terror orchestrated by the Kuki militants have gone way beyond limits, UNC said.
"This is not a conflict. This is terrorism against civilians," it added.
The UNC urged the Government to  arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of both the Khongbal killings and the highway attack, ensure immediate and proper security for farmers and for all travellers along the Imphal-Ukhrul and all National Highways and deliver justice for the slain individuals.
TNL
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has also condemned the barbaric killing of three innocent Meitei civilians at Sunurok.
In a statement, TNL said the victims were in the jungle  cutting firewood to eke out their daily livelihood, and posed no threat to anyone, particularly the Kuki militants allegedly responsible for the massacre.
It is a matter of serious concern and utmost shame that such a ghastly incident had occurred in close proximity to the locations of the highest administrative authorities and security apparatus, TNL said and demanded the strictest action at both the political and administrative levels to put an end to all such criminal and terrorist activities once and for all.
NPO
Condemning the killing of three firewood collectors Sunurok Uyok, Khongbal Tangkhul at Sunurok Uyok, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Senapati,  questioned whether external support might be enabling continued threats against different communities in the State.
NPO, in a press release, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Manipur.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack was carried out by cadres of Kuki armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government, the NPO said
The Organisation questioned the effectiveness of the SoO ground rules, the accountability of signatory groups and the mechanisms in place to prevent such violations.
The NPO also expressed concern over recent incidents of violence targeting members of the Nepali community. It cited the killing of Sandeep Rai, who was shot dead while travelling in his private car on the Mahadev-Tolol Road, and another incident in which members of the Nepali community travelling along the Imphal-Ukhrul Road were attacked but narrowly escaped.
The repeated targeting of civilians is a serious threat to public safety, the organisation said and added that such incidents undermine the rule of law and fundamental humanitarian values.
The NPO further raised concern over the delay in delivering justice to six Naga civilians who were abducted and subsequently killed by Kuki militants at Leilon Vaiphei.
Despite eyewitness accounts pointing to the involvement of KNF-P cadres, the delay in establishing accountability had eroded public trust in the Government, it said.
Appealing for unity among indigenous communities, the NPO called for collective efforts to safeguard their people, land and future while confronting threats to community safety and security.
The organisation conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families of the victims of the Sunurok firing incident and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
LNKRM
It is utterly shameful and intolerable that indigenous people continue to face relentless violece and bloodshed, with their fundamental rights to life, security and  dignity repeatedly violated, said Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, Manipur.
The Association said that bloodshed must not be normalised nor can "our grief" be a substitute for justice .
"How long must our people gather at morgues, mourn their loved ones and prepare for their final rites", it asked.
It further asked how many more innocent lives must be sacrificed before justice is delivered.
Saying that political convenience and hollow assurances must never take precedence over human dignity and security, LNKRM demanded immediate justice, uncompromising accountability and concrete measures to safeguard indigenous lives.
CNPO
The Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO) also expressed grief over the unfortunate  incident that occurred at Sunurok.
In its press note, the Organisation said that the safety and security of civilians engaged in peaceful livelihood activities is of  utmost importance.
"Incidents of this nature cause  distress to peace loving citizens and affect  trust and harmony among communities in the region", it said.
The CNPO urged the State Government and the authorities concerned to take appropriate measures to ensure a transparent inquiry and strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable foothill areas.
The Organisation also extended condolences to the bereaved families.