Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) has announced a 24-hour total shutdown across all Naga-inhabited areas in Manipur. The protest will run from 6:00 am on June 11 until 6:00 am on June 12, following the recovery of the remains of six Naga civilians who were abducted on May 13, 2026.
Hopes for a peaceful resolution had briefly surfaced after 14 Kuki detainees were released on June 9, but the mood shifted drastically upon the discovery of the six hostages. The council stated that these expectations were shattered by the reported recovery of the remains, describing them as being in "mutilated and dismembered conditions."
The UNC has condemned the killings as a severe human rights violation and a threat to public safety. The organisation declared that the victims' remains will not be formally received until the Government of Manipur and the Government of India address a specific list of demands. These include the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with all Kuki militant groups and the official designation of the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) as a terrorist organisation.
The council is also seeking the arrest and prosecution of KNF-P personnel allegedly involved in the May 13 abduction of 18 Naga civilians, which included two pastors, and the subsequent murders of the six hostages and Wilson Thanga Chiru. Additionally, the group demands the arrest of Leilon Vaiphei village chief Lalboi Vaiphei for his alleged role in the abduction.
A final point of contention is the call for the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. The UNC alleges a conflict of interest due to her marital relationship with Semtinthang, also known as Thangboi Kipgen, who the council identifies as the president of the KNF-P. Authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the demands as tensions remain high in the region.
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