Imphal: Two women’s organisations representing Naga and Kuki communities have condemned a series of civilian killings in the state, calling for urgent intervention by the state and central governments, impartial investigations and accountability for those responsible.
The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) condemned the October 10 beheading of Ajinbou Ringkangmai in Makui Ashang village, describing the incident as a grave violation of human dignity and international humanitarian law.
Separately, the Kuki Women Union (KWU), Sadar Hills, expressed outrage over the killings of two Kuki-Zo civilians, identified as 42-year-old Domkhoinei Touthang and 23-year-old Michael Ngamminlen Haokip.
Both organisations called for justice for the victims and their families, urging authorities to take concrete steps to protect civilians and restore peaceful coexistence among communities in Manipur.
In its statement, the NWU alleged that armed Kuki militants had repeatedly subjected civilians to mutilation and decapitation. The organisation cited killings reported in Makui Ashang and Tapon villages, naming the deceased as Ajinbou Ringkangmai, Dibambou Ringkangmai, Machungamang Daimai and Ramningpou Gangmei.
The union also referred to the reported killings of Ngachanso Ningshen and Leishishan Leishadang in Kamjong district on the same day.
The NWU said ethnic tensions, political considerations or armed confrontations could not justify the degrading treatment or killing of civilians. It expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and supported the Working Committee of the JTC-Manipur’s demand for the return of Ringkangmai’s severed head to enable his family to conduct a dignified burial.
The organisation also urged the governments of India and Manipur to examine the conduct of armed groups operating under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements. It warned that failure to ensure accountability for such incidents could encourage further violence and a sense of impunity among armed groups.
Meanwhile, the KWU Sadar Hills focused its condemnation on the deaths of Touthang and Haokip.
According to the union, Touthang was allegedly shot dead by personnel of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) in Chassad village on October 9. Haokip was reportedly killed on October 10 by armed NSCN-IM cadres and members of the Eastern Flank, the organisation alleged.
The KWU demanded an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation into both killings, with the findings made public. It also called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those found responsible.
As an interim measure, the union sought the removal of the IRB station from Chassad village pending the investigation. It further demanded adequate financial compensation for the victims’ families and urged the government to strengthen measures to protect civilians.
The organisation also expressed support for the Committee on Tribal Unity’s call for a 24-hour total shutdown in Kangpokpi district.
The KWU urged authorities to move beyond assurances and take concrete action to ensure civilian safety, emphasising that people across communities must be able to live with dignity and security.
The allegations made by the two organisations have not been independently verified. Investigations and official findings would be necessary to establish responsibility for the reported killings.