Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: The Global Naga Forum has called for an immediate, time-bound independent inquiry following the recovery of the bodies of six Naga civilians in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur. The group is urging the National Human Rights Commission to take suo motu cognizance of the case to ensure accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
The six men, identified as Pastor Kenpibou, Rev. Manu Thiumai, Phenrongwi Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, and Ch. Phenrilung, were abducted on May 13 while returning from a wedding. The GNF stated that the victims were unarmed and were massacred while in captivity. Their remains were found on June 10, 28 days after their disappearance.
The Forum has accused Kuki armed groups, specifically the KNF-P, of orchestrating the abduction and subsequent killings. Describing the event as a massacre rather than a combat situation, the organization asserted: "It was the butchery of the defenseless. Hostage taking is barbarism. The killing of captives is barbarism. The mutilation of the dead is barbarism."
Highlighting a contrast in treatment, the GNF noted that the Naga side recently released 14 Kuki detainees unharmed and unconditionally just one day before the Naga bodies were discovered. The group is now demanding the immediate prosecution of the perpetrators and a full public disclosure of the post-mortem results. They have further questioned the state apparatus, asking why authorities were able to locate the bodies within 24 hours of the Kuki detainees' release but could not find the abducted men during the previous month.
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