Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has issued a strong condemnation following the discovery of six bodies in Manipur. The victims, believed to be Naga civilians abducted from the Kangpokpi district on May 13, were found by Manipur Police on Wednesday. Rio described the act as horrific, inhuman, and deeply shocking, noting that it has wounded the conscience of the Naga people.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the tragedy occurred despite the Naga community's commitment to peace. Apex organizations, including the United Naga Council, had recently facilitated the safe release of 14 hostages. Rio emphasized that the Naga people had exercised significant restraint and chosen dialogue during a volatile situation, even as their own appeals for the reciprocal release of the six now-deceased individuals went unanswered.
In a statement addressing the incident, Rio urged both the Government of India and the Manipur state administration to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible. He stressed that a credible legal process is the only way to restore public confidence in the region. "Accountability is essential. Only through a fair, transparent and credible process can a measure of confidence be restored among the people," he said.
Beyond seeking justice, Rio called for calm and appealed to citizens across the region to prevent grief from fueling further violence. He expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, pledging his solidarity with the Naga community during this period of mourning. He also urged authorities to take immediate steps to safeguard all communities and prevent further escalation of regional tensions.
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