IMPHAL, June 12: Two days after the recovery of the mortal remains of six Naga hostages, the United Naga Council (UNC) has petitioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups and stringent action against those allegedly involved in the abduction and killings.
In its memorandum, the apex Naga body alleged that personnel of the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) group were involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians, including two pastors, from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13 and the subsequent killing of six of them.
The UNC demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all KNF-P members allegedly involved in the abduction and killings, as well as those linked to the murder of Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek on the same day.
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The council also sought the arrest of Lalboi Vaiphei, chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, along with other villagers, including women, whom it alleged were involved in the abduction and murder of the Naga civilians.
It further demanded action against a serving Manipur Police personnel, Thanggilian Vaiphei, alleging his involvement in the incident.
The UNC urged the Centre to declare the KNF-P a terrorist organisation and sought the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging a conflict of interest as she is the wife of Semtinthang alias Thangboi Kipgen, president of the KNF-P.
The council stated that the mortal remains of the six hostages would not be formally received by the Naga community until its charter of demands is addressed and justice is delivered to the victims’ families.
According to the UNC, the six hostages were among a group of Naga civilians abducted on May 13.
While 14 others were later released, the six remained untraced until their mortal remains were recovered on June 10.
The organisation claimed that the bodies were recovered in a mutilated condition and described the incident as a grave violation of human rights.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the UNC said the incident had caused deep anguish among the Naga community and had shaken public confidence in the government’s ability to protect innocent civilians.
The council urged both the Union and Manipur governments to take prompt and decisive action to ensure justice and restore public trust.
