UKHRUL: The United Naga Council (UNC) has condemned a series of killings and attacks affecting Naga villages in Manipur and along the state’s sensitive peripheries, accusing the state government of failing to protect civilians and demanding immediate intervention by the Centre.
The Naga apex civil body in Manipur, in a condemnation statement issued on October 11, cited the killing of four Naga men at Makui Asang, the alleged beheading of Liangmai Naga civilian Ajinbou Ringkangmai at Makui village along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road, and the killings of two men at Ningchou village in Kamjong district.
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The UNC also raised concern over the reported killing of four Nagas in a cross-border attack at Pilong village and the burning of houses at Pongringlong village in Kangpokpi district.
The UNC identified the four men killed in the Makui Ashang incident as Machungamang Daimai, Dibambou Ringkangbou, Ajinbou Ringkangmai and Ramningpou Gangmei. Angam Chawang and Nashon Pame were reported to have sustained serious injuries.
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Condemning the alleged beheading of Ringkangmai, the council called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights and humanitarian principles.
The UNC said the incidents should not be viewed in isolation, alleging a pattern of attacks and incursions affecting Naga ancestral areas. It urged the state and central governments to take cognisance of the situation and ensure the security of vulnerable villages.
Questioning the effectiveness of the extensive deployment of central and state security personnel in Manipur, the apex civil body alleged that Naga villages remained exposed to violence despite the presence of security forces.
It accused the state government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, saying the situation had left residents in vulnerable areas living in fear.
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The UNC further stated that if the government could not ensure the safety of both Naga and Kuki villages, all security forces should be withdrawn from the affected areas. It questioned whether their deployment was serving its intended purpose of maintaining peace or contributing to the prevailing insecurity.
The UNC demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the Makui beheading and the killings at Ningchou and Pilong. It also called on the Government of India to intervene to prevent further attacks and strengthen security in Naga areas along sensitive peripheries.
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