Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) has officially petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in Manipur. Senior leaders gathered at the Press Club of India to reject the state government's handling of the region's mounting violence. They demand a court-monitored probe into the abduction and subsequent murder of six Naga civilians.
Naga elders laid out a grim timeline of the recent unrest. On May 13, armed groups abducted 20 civilians. Though 14 hostages were released, the remaining six were found dead and mutilated on June 10. The UNC views this not as a simple law-and-order failure, but as an existential threat to Naga territories.
Delegates argued that the conflict involves high-grade weaponry, including drones and rocket launchers. They urged the Centre to invoke Article 355 to shield Naga districts from what they term external aggression. The delegation warned that current state measures have failed to protect innocent lives.
The group presented a formal memorandum to the Prime Minister. It calls for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killings, including specific allegations against local village leaders and police personnel. The UNC further demanded that the Kuki National Front-President be labeled a terrorist organization.
"Our appeal to the Prime Minister is direct. Honour the Framework Agreement, secure the Naga areas and stop treating armed aggression against Naga civilians as a local disturbance," the UNC stated during the briefing. They also seek the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, citing a conflict of interest regarding her ties to militant leadership.
Beyond immediate security, the Council pushes for the eviction of illegal armed groups and the total abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militants. They maintain that the 21 Naga tribes remain united in their call for an inclusive Indo-Naga political settlement. Peace requires accountability.
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