The United Naga Council’s (UNC) call for a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas on Thursday evoked a mixed response in Ukhrul district, with normal commercial activity and school operations continuing despite the stricture.
The shutdown, scheduled to conclude at 6 am on Friday, was called in protest against the recovery of six Naga hostages whose bodies were allegedly held by Kuki militants since May 13.
Mixed Public Response
While some shops in the market remained closed during the shutdown, most commercial establishments and schools functioned normally throughout the day. Vehicular movement was also observed on roads as on a normal working day, indicating limited public participation in the shutdown.
Government offices in the district reported thin attendance but continued to function normally. No untoward incidents were reported during the protest period.
“We opened our shops as usual because there was no coercion from anyone. Most customers came in for their regular purchases,” said a shopkeeper from the main market area, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Background to the shutdown
The UNC called the shutdown following the recovery of the six hostages’ bodies on Wednesday, a day after 14 Kuki detainees were released and handed over to authorities on Tuesday.
In its statement on Wednesday, the council said the recovery of the bodies — reportedly in a mutilated condition — had shaken the faith of the Naga people in the government’s ability to ensure the safety and security of civilians.
“The killings represent a gross violation of human rights and have caused immense pain to the families and the wider Naga community,” the statement read.
UNC Demands
The council announced that the mortal remains of the six hostages would not be received until its demands were addressed. The demands include abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups, immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the abduction and killing, declaration of the Kuki National Front-Presidential (KNF-P) group as a terrorist organisation and removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office
The UNC urged citizens across Naga-inhabited areas to observe the shutdown peacefully and stated that the protest was meant to press for justice for the victims and their families.