Imphal: Ahead of Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh‘s proposed visit to Makhan village on August 8, a 12-member delegation of the Poumai Naga Naotumai Me (PNNM) visited the village on Thursday, 85 days after the May 13 killings of six Naga civilians.
The delegation provided financial assistance to the families of the six victims and to nearly 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking shelter in the village. During the visit, villagers expressed concern over dwindling food supplies and urged the state government to officially recognise Makhan as a relief camp while ensuring justice for the victims.
The visit comes amid growing opposition to the Chief Minister’s proposed tour, with apex tribal bodies maintaining that no official visit should take place until meaningful action is taken to deliver justice.Eighty-five days after the May 13 violence that claimed the lives of six Naga civilians, families of the victims say their demand for justice remains unchanged. They stressed that accountability must take precedence over official visits or administrative outreach.
The PNNM delegation said its visit was aimed at extending both moral and financial support to the bereaved families and the displaced residents who continue to face hardship in the aftermath of the violence.Makhan village is currently sheltering nearly 200 displaced people, placing significant pressure on local resources.
Although civil society organisations and volunteer groups have provided relief materials, village leaders said the assistance has been insufficient to meet long-term needs. They pointed out that the state government has yet to officially recognise Makhan as a relief camp, limiting access to sustained government support.
Residents warned that food stocks are rapidly declining and could reach critical levels if immediate and structured intervention is not provided.The proposed August 8 visit by Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh has become a point of contention. The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (WC-JTCM) has opposed the visit, stating that justice for the victims should be prioritised before any official engagement in the area.
Addressing reporters, the chairman of Makhan village clarified the community’s position. He said the village had not invited the Chief Minister and reiterated that its primary demand since the May 13 incident has been justice for the victims.
He added that while the village holds no personal animosity towards the Chief Minister or the state government, it will abide by the collective decision of the WC-JTCM regarding the proposed visit.
The PNNM delegation concluded its visit by assuring the affected families and displaced residents of its continued support and encouraging them to remain steadfast as they continue their pursuit of justice.