UKHRUL: The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) has expressed outrage over the reported beheading and mutilation of Naga civilians in Manipur, describing the incidents as part of a disturbing pattern of violence against civilians and urging the governments of Manipur and India to ensure impartial investigations and accountability.
In a statement, the NWU condemned the beheading of Ajinbou Ringkangmai of Makui Ashang village on October 10, 2026, calling it as one of the cruelest forms of war crimes. The Union also condemned the reported killings of Dibambou Ringkangmai, Machungamang Daimai and Ramningpou Gafomei in Makui Asang and Tapon villages, as well as Ngachanso Ningshen and Leishishan Leishadang of Ningchou village in Kamjong district.
The Union said beheading and mutilation could not be treated as ordinary acts of violence, stressing that no political demand, ethnic hostility or armed confrontation could justify such degrading treatment of human beings. It maintained that civilians must be protected and the dead treated with dignity, even during armed conflict.
The NWU expressed solidarity with the bereaved family of Ajinbou Ringkangmai and backed the demand of the Working Committee of the Joint Tribe Council (JTC-Manipur) for the immediate return of his head to enable the family to perform the final rites and accord him a dignified burial.
It urged the Manipur and Union governments to investigate allegations concerning armed groups operating under Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangements and take appropriate action wherever violations are established.
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The Union further referred to the reported beheading and mutilation of six Naga civilian hostages at Leilon Vaiphei village, followed by the latest incident at Makui, warning that such acts risk becoming normalised if those responsible are allowed to act with impunity.
The NWU said the deliberate mutilation and beheading of civilians could constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes where the applicable legal criteria are met. It called for impartial investigations, prosecution of those responsible and accountability for failures to protect civilians.
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