Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) issued an immediate, indefinite ban on goods-laden trucks and commercial vehicles traversing national highways in Zeliangrong and Inpui territories. This order, effective August 20, covers regions populated by the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Zeme Naga communities. Tensions flared after violence left several people injured at Namdilong in Kanglatongbi, Imphal West district, on Thursday.
The council pointed to a pattern of state failure. It highlighted the May 13 abduction of six Nagas from Leilon Vaiphei village, which included two pastors. Search efforts led to the discovery of their beheaded, mutilated bodies on June 10. One victim was found with his hands tied behind his back. The JTCM claimed the National Investigation Agency has failed to identify the killers despite taking over the case.
The council did not mince words regarding the suspects. “The manipulated process, possibly influenced by some people in authority in collusion with the Kuki cannibals, has delayed justice beyond tolerance,” the JTCM stated. They also lashed out at the CRPF COBRA unit, accusing the force of raiding Naga Village Guards based on unverified intelligence while ignoring armed Kuki groups raiding Naga villages.
The JTCM directed area coordination committees to enforce the blockade peacefully. They warned that they possess the right to escalate the agitation if the government ignores the security of the Naga community. The council declared that justice is non-negotiable.
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