Imphal: Normal life across Naga-inhabited areas in Manipur ground to a halt today as the United Naga Council (UNC) initiated a 24-hour total shutdown. The strike, which began at 6 a.m., shuttered schools, businesses, and government offices to protest the deaths of six Naga civilians abducted nearly a month ago.
The victims were part of a group of 18 people taken by Kuki militant cadres from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. Authorities recovered their mutilated remains on Wednesday in a forest near Kharam Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district. In response to the discovery, the UNC has refused to claim the bodies until their specific demands are addressed, which include the arrest of those responsible and the termination of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups.
Public anger has manifested in direct action against political institutions. On Wednesday night, a mob vandalized the Naga People’s Front state headquarters in the Senapati district. Protesters blamed the authorities for failing to protect the hostages, despite the recent release of 14 other individuals who had been held for four weeks.
Security forces are working to contain the escalating unrest. Police reported ongoing operations in the Ukhrul district to prevent further violence, stating: "Police said operations would continue to prevent further violence and safeguard affected communities." Officers also discovered a cache of weapons and ammunition hidden in unauthorized hilltop bunkers during these patrols.
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