Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) slammed federal security forces this week over deadly search operations in Naga hill areas. The group demands accountability for the death of a local village guard. Violence flared during a July 29 raid in the Noney Sub-Division.
Assam Rifles and CRPF-CoBRA units moved into Bitiang, also known as Laphok village. The UNC states these troops opened fire on locals. Lanbilung Riamel, a Village Guard on duty, died in the exchange. Several civilians and personnel sustained injuries. The UNC characterized the entire mission as "unwarranted, vindictive and heavily militarised" in a statement issued from Tahamzam.
Tensions remain high. The group alleges that security forces target innocent residents while ignoring armed factions. They specifically pointed to Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operations agreement. The council claims KNF-P fighters have conducted repeated abductions and killings since February, including the recent death of six Naga men in Leilon Vaiphei.
Authorities also face heat for the July 30 arrest of three Naga leaders. Police took RNCM president K.C. Savio, Gailanchung Kamei, and general secretary Dr. Aku Newme into custody in Imphal. The UNC called the arrests a politically motivated crackdown. All three were later released.
The council wants a change in strategy. They urged the Government of India to adopt a realistic approach to the Indo-Naga peace process. Leaders warned that both the central and Manipur governments will bear responsibility for any further regional escalation. The council asked the public to stay calm, but firm, against future provocations.
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