Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: Disturbed over the recent killings and abduction of some Naga civilians in several districts of Manipur, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Friday said, “No act of hostility can intimidate the Nagas.”
Condemning what it called an “outrageous” and “inhuman ambush” on church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association between Kotzin and Kotler in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on May 13, it said three church leaders were killed and five others were grievously injured in the ambush while they were returning from Churachandpur.
The federation also strongly condemned the deadly ambush on innocent Chiru Naga civilians in the Joujangtek area of Noney district of Manipur on May 13, in which Wilson Thanga was killed on the spot while his wife sustained critical injuries.
It further condemned the alleged abduction of two innocent church brothers, Bro. Peter Kileisie Poji from the Pochury Naga community and Bro. Aching Paul from the Rongmei Naga community, at Sapormeina in Manipur’s Senapati district on the night of the 13th, while they were travelling from Don Bosco Imphal to Don Bosco Maram.
The federation also said it was deeply disturbed by reports of nearly 18 innocent Nagas from Konsakhul village being held hostage by individuals from Leilon Vaiphei village.
Stating that while the two church brothers and 12 women hostages were reportedly released, the NSF said the atrocities perpetrated against the Nagas remain unresolved.
It demanded the unconditional and immediate release of all Naga hostages unharmed by the “perpetrators”.
It said that while peace remains a core concern for the Nagas, the indiscriminate killings and abductions of innocent civilians by aggressors have eroded all sense of humanity.
It questioned the continued inaction of the Manipur and Central governments despite recurring attacks that continue to claim innocent lives.
“While the Naga people do not condone violence, neither shall we kneel as silent spectators while injustice burns before our eyes,” the NSF stated, adding that any provocation or attack against one Naga will be considered an attack against all Nagas.