Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: The NSCN (IM) accused CRPF CoBRA units and the Zeliangrong United Front (Jiangchui) of killing a Naga Village Guard. The July 29 clash occurred at Bitiang village in Manipur’s Noney district. Victims were defending the area as volunteers for the Western Command of the Naga Village Guard and the Joint Tribes Council Manipur. The NSCN (IM) called the operation an unprovoked assault on the Naga community.
It claimed the involvement of Indian security forces undermined state neutrality. Hundreds mourned 29-year-old guard Lanbimei Riamei at the Longmai-3 Baptist Church Hall on Thursday. Deacon Samuel Phaomei led the service. Head Deacon Kaphun Gangmei delivered the gospel message. Rev. Ngamdisin Kamei presided over the committal service where the Naga Village Guard fired a ceremonial salute. Leaders declared Riamei a martyr. Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, Inpui, and Chiru community members attended the funeral.
The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur withdrew an emergency shutdown following the burial. Still, the United Naga Council continues an inter-district economic blockade across Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Zeme lands. The group blasted the government for failing to solve six prior murders. They warned of more shutdowns if justice stalls. Protesters blocked roads in Kanglatongbi on Friday. The Makhan Area Chief Chairman Association and the Koubru Range Liangmai Women Union led the demonstration. They blamed security forces for partisan tactics. One official statement noted the operation was an "unprovoked and unacceptable assault on the indigenous Naga community." Locals stopped vehicles to protest the lack of accountability.
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