Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) has announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur from 6 am on June 11 to 6 am on June 12 following the recovery of the remains of six civilians who were abducted on May 13.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the UNC said hopes had risen among Naga communities after the release of 14 Kuki detainees on June 9. However, it said those expectations were shattered by reports that the six hostages had been recovered as human remains.
Condemning the incident, the council described it as a grave violation of human rights and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
According to the UNC, the incident has caused widespread concern among Naga communities and raised questions about the safety and security of civilians. The organisation said the killings had undermined public confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens.
The council appealed to people to observe the shutdown peacefully in support of its demand for justice for the victims and their families.
The UNC further announced that the mortal remains of the six deceased would not be formally received until its demands are addressed by the Government of Manipur and the Government of India.
Among its demands, the council has called for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups. It has also sought the immediate arrest and prosecution of all personnel of the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) allegedly involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians, including two pastors, from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, as well as those allegedly responsible for the killing of the six hostages and Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek on the same day.
The organisation has also demanded the arrest and prosecution of Lalboi Vaiphei, chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, along with all others allegedly involved in the abduction of the 18 civilians.
In addition, the UNC has sought the declaration of the KNF-P as a terrorist organisation. It has also demanded the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging a conflict of interest arising from her marital relationship with Semtinthang alias Thangboi Kipgen, whom the organisation identified as president of the KNF-P.
The shutdown call comes amid heightened tensions in Manipur’s hill districts following the recovery of the bodies of six Naga individuals, a day after 14 Kuki-Zo individuals were released by Naga village guards.