The United Naga Council (UNC) has strongly condemned what it described as a “war-like” situation unfolding in the Namdilong area of Kangpokpi district, where civilians, including women, have been injured amid protests demanding justice for the killing of six Naga men.
In a media briefing in Senapati town on Thursday, AC Thotso, member-secretary of the UNC working committee, said the council was deeply disturbed by reports of protesters being arrested and sustaining serious injuries from tear-gas shelling, including in and around private residences.
“This kind of militarisation and creation of a war-like situation is very unfortunate,” Thotso said. “Six Naga civilians are dead, and now protesters demanding justice are facing tear gas. Nagas are the victims, but what is deeply unacceptable is the repeated pattern of persecuting the victims’ parties.”
Thotso said the UNC viewed the ongoing deployment of state forces and increasing militarisation in Naga areas as counter-productive. “History has proven time and again that a military solution is not a solution at all,” he said, adding that such measures would never resolve the underlying issues.
When asked whether the UNC had confidence in the existing investigation into the killings, Thotso said the council was not satisfied with the present investigation process. He called for the probe to be expedited with seriousness and with the strong will of the central government as well as the state government to deliver justice.
Thotso also asserted that the state had failed to protect the life and property of Naga people. “We maintain that the government has totally failed to protect the life and properties of the Naga people,” he said, referring to the broader governance failure.
Outlining the UNC’s message to the Manipur government in the wake of Thursday’s incidents, Thotso said it was high time for the government to address the core issue and settle the matter once and for all instead of resorting to repression and force.
“The issue of the infamous massacre of six Naga men cannot be buried under military boots. The government must be held accountable and justice must be delivered to the victims and the Naga people,” he said.
The UNC demanded that the government immediately stop all forms of military operations in the Namdilong area and other Naga-inhabited areas, and instead focus its energy and resources on resolving the core political and justice-related issues.
Thotso also indicated that the council would further elaborate its position through dialogue to fulfil its charter of demands in the coming days.
