Naga Council Urges PM Modi, Amit Shah to Probe Killings

New Delhi: The United Naga Council on Saturday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah to secure justice for six Naga civilians allegedly killed by suspected Kuki armed groups in Kangpokpi district.

A delegation of the council also met Ajit Lal in New Delhi and submitted a memorandum highlighting what it termed a deteriorating security situation in Naga-inhabited areas.

Addressing a press conference, UNC general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang said, “It’s a proxy war going on in Manipur against the Nagas by suspension of operation (SoO) Kuki militants and Myanmar-based KNA (B). It’s not only a violation of the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, but also a serious threat to India’s frontier security.”

The council demanded abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups and called for a court-monitored investigation into the killings.

According to the UNC, 20 Nagas were abducted on May 13 following the killing of three Thadou church leaders earlier that day. Fourteen were released on May 15, while the remaining six were later found dead. The bodies were recovered on June 10.

UNC leader Samson Remei said, “The bodies were recovered on June 10. But so far, no arrests have been made. We are shocked to see the approach of the state and central security forces. They have done nothing to safeguard the properties and lives of civilians.”

Another leader, L. Adani, said the violence could derail the Indo-Naga peace process linked to the 2015 framework agreement.

“We fear that the attacks on Nagas and the targeted killings are aimed at derailing the Indo-Naga peace process. As it is, the framework agreement hangs in limbo, and the recent incidents may jeopardise it further,” he said.

The council also demanded the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging a conflict of interest.

“We demand immediate removal of Ms Nemcha Kingpen from the position of deputy chief minister in Manipur. She is the wife of Semtinthang alias Thangboi Kipgen, president KNF-P, a Kuki militant group complicit in the murder of the Naga civilians. Her continuation in office will amount to willful compromise of internal security concerns for both the state and the nation at large,” Shatsang said.

The UNC further sought a time-bound, independent probe and security guarantees for Naga-inhabited areas, particularly vulnerable zones facing threats and armed movement.