Imphal: The NSCN (IM) has accused CRPF CoBRA units and the Zeliangrong United Front (Jiangchui) of killing a Naga Village Guard in Manipur’s Noney district on July 29.
The allegation follows a fatal clash at Bitiang village, where volunteers of the Western Command of the Naga Village Guard and the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) were reportedly defending the area.
In a press release, the NSCN (IM) condemned the operation as an unprovoked and unacceptable assault on the indigenous Naga community. It alleged that the involvement of Indian security forces alongside armed aggressors undermined the state’s neutrality.
Hundreds of mourners, including civil society leaders, church representatives and Naga National workers from the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, Inpui and Chiru communities, gathered on Thursday at the Longmai-3 Baptist Church Hall for the funeral of 29-year-old Naga Village Guard Lanbimei Riamei.
The service was led by Deacon Samuel Phaomei, while the gospel message was delivered by Head Deacon Kaphun Gangmei. Following the tributes, the Naga Village Guard accorded the deceased a ceremonial gun salute during the committal service led by Rev. Ngamdisin Kamei.
Community leaders also announced that Riamei’s name would be added to the official record of Naga martyrs.
The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (WC-JTCM) announced the immediate withdrawal of the emergency shutdown called over the killing.
However, an inter-district economic blockade enforced by the United Naga Council (UNC) remains in force across Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme territories.
The WC-JTCM criticised both the state and central governments for allegedly failing to deliver justice for six previously murdered Naga men. It warned that further inaction would lead to the reimposition of total shutdowns and intensified blockades.
Meanwhile, locals staged a sit-in protest and blocked roads in Kanglatongbi on Friday. The protest was organised by the Makhan Area Chief Chairman Association (MACCA) and the Koubru Range Liangmai Women Union (KRLWU).
The protesters restricted vehicular movement, accusing security forces of acting in a partisan manner and targeting villagers defending their homes instead of pursuing hostile elements.