UKHRUL: Several Naga civil society organisations have condemned the killing of three Meitei civilians at Sunurok Uyok (Sunulok Hill) near Khongbal village, Kangpokpi district, on October 19, demanding a thorough investigation, prosecution of those responsible and enhanced security for civilians in vulnerable areas.
The United Naga Council (UNC), Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M), Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO), Joint Tribes Council (JTC) and Khongbal Tangkhul Village Authority issued separate statements condemning the killings and expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and injured persons.
RELATED Three Suspected Kuki Militants Arrested, Eight Firearms, IEDs Recovered After Khongbal Killings
The victims were reportedly collecting firewood when they came under fire at around 9.30 am. The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil, Lairenlakpam Inaobi and Kshetrimayum Sushil. Three others sustained injuries in the attack.
The United Naga Council described the incident as part of what it called a continuing pattern of targeted attacks on civilians in Manipur. It also referred to a separate attack on Nepali civilians travelling along the Imphal–Ukhrul National Highway-202, in which two people were reportedly injured.
The UNC said the targeting of farmers in their fields and travellers on public highways had raised serious concerns over civilian safety. It described the incidents as a threat to peaceful coexistence and called on the authorities to take immediate measures to prevent further attacks.
It demanded that the state and central governments arrest and prosecute those responsible for both incidents, ensure adequate security for farmers and travellers along the Imphal–Ukhrul road and other national highways, and deliver justice without delay.
The Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur, also strongly condemned the killings, describing the incident as a grave violation of the right to life and human dignity. It said no civilian should have to fear for their life while carrying out basic activities to sustain their family.
Referring to allegations that the attackers used weapons bearing red ribbons, the LNC-M called for a thorough and impartial investigation and urged the authorities to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the law.
The Liangmai Naga body also expressed concern over the reported placement of the victims’ bodies at the gate of the chief minister’s bungalow, saying it reflected public anguish and the demand for accountability. It urged the government to move beyond assurances and take concrete action, warning that failure to respond meaningfully could deepen public mistrust.
The Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO), meanwhile, expressed profound grief over the deaths of the three civilians, whom it identified as residents of Imphal East who had gone to collect firewood for their household needs.
The apex Naga civil body in Chandel district appealed to the state government and concerned authorities to conduct a transparent inquiry in accordance with established procedures and strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable foothill areas to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The CNPO also called on civil society organisations and community leaders to work together to protect the lives, dignity and livelihoods of all citizens, while extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Also read | Skipe Naga Village Near Indo-Myanmar Border Reportedly Torched
The Joint Tribes Council (JTC), comprising the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme tribes, questioned the effectiveness of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement, under which several Kuki armed groups operate.
The council asked how cadres who were supposed to remain in designated camps under the agreement could allegedly move around with sophisticated weapons and kill civilians. It stressed that the SoO arrangement should not become a licence for violence or shield anyone from prosecution.
The JTC demanded a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into the killings, immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators irrespective of their affiliation or SoO status, and strict enforcement of the agreement’s terms. It also called for inspections of designated camps, verification of cadres and accounting for weapons.
Further demands included accountability for any negligence or dereliction of duty by the security establishment, immediate medical assistance for the injured, compensation for affected families and survivors, and an urgent review of the SoO arrangement to address alleged violations and loopholes.
RELATED Thadou Inpi Manipur Seeks Prosecution of KNF(P) Leader Jangboi Kipgen
The Khongbal Tangkhul Village Authority also condemned the attack, stating that the incident had shattered the uneasy peace in the Khamenlok area. It alleged that villagers engaged in farming and collecting firewood were fired upon indiscriminately by armed Kuki militants operating under the SoO agreement.
The village VA, calling for justice and adequate security, the authority urged the government to deploy sufficient state security personnel in Khongbal Tangkhul village at the earliest. It said a stronger security presence was necessary not only to deter further attacks but also to allow neighbouring settlements to carry out agricultural activities peacefully, particularly with the harvest season approaching.
Across their separate statements, the organisations extended condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the victims and injured. They called on the state and central governments to ensure accountability, strengthen civilian protection and take concrete steps to prevent further violence.
RELATED Khongbal Killings: 48-Hour General Strike Called; Kuki Groups Condemn