Photo Courtesy: Representative Image
Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) has declared an emergency total shutdown across all Naga districts and Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, effective from 11:00 PM tonight (August 14) until 11:00 PM on August 15, following a militant attack that left two Naga Village Guards dead and two others injured.
In a press statement issued from its Tahamzam headquarters in Senapati, the UNC strongly condemned what it described as a "barbaric and calculated attack" allegedly carried out by KNF-P Kuki militants on the occasion of Naga Independence Day.
According to the UNC statement, the unprovoked attack targeted four Naga Village Guards:
- Mr. Wiriliangbou Chawang, 35, was shot dead on the spot.
- Kawidinang Abonmai, 54, succumbed to abdominal injuries while being taken to hospital.
- Namthiulungbou Prinmai, 45, sustained groin injuries.
- Maliangjinang Abonmai, 50, sustained chest and arm injuries.
The UNC said the act of violence on Naga Independence Day was "a direct challenge to the Naga people, our identity, and our right to self-determination."
The council also noted recurring incidents of arson, provocation, and obstruction in the region, specifically citing the August 11 attack on Tokpa Naga Village where at least 10 houses were reportedly set ablaze. The statement further raised concerns over the Kailenjang incident and alleged obstruction of security forces and goodwill missions, terming such acts as "deliberate attempts to create conflict, confusion and fear among the people."
"We strongly denounce all acts of violence, arson and on-purpose provocation. The competent authorities must conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into all these incidents, identify the actual perpetrators and take appropriate legal action without delay," the statement read.
During the 24-hour shutdown period, all shops, business establishments, offices, institutions, and non-essential activities are to remain closed. Emergency services, including medical and fire services, have been exempted. The public has been urged to observe the shutdown in a "disciplined and peaceful manner."
The UNC appealed to all Naga citizens to remain calm, united, and peaceful, stating, "Let it be clear, the Naga people will not be misled by unverified narratives or sensational allegations. We have exercised maximum restraint, but we will not remain silent in the face of hostility and attacks on our people."
The statement was issued by James Hau, Information and Publicity Secretary of the UNC.
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