Y Patton and Temjen Imna Along condemned the killing of six Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district and appealed for peace and harmony.
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KOHIMA — Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along on Friday condemned the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, describing the incident as tragic, shocking and a setback to peace efforts in the region.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an event, Patton termed the killings "very unfortunate" and said that the incident was contrary to expectations of peace and mutual understanding among communities.
"We never expected that militants would massacre civilians in this manner," he said.
Referring to the earlier release of 14 Kuki civilians who had reportedly been abducted by Naga militants, Patton highlighted that they were released unharmed.
"When our Naga militants kidnapped 14 Kuki civilians, we released them without any harm. But I don't know why Kuki militants have killed our six Naga brothers. It is very unfortunate," he said.
The deputy chief minister appealed to all groups and communities in the region to uphold peace and harmony.
"I want to appeal to Kuki militants, Nagas and Meiteis to maintain peace and harmony in their states," Patton added.
Meanwhile, Minister Temjen Imna Along described the incident as a grave tragedy. "The recent incident in Kangpokpi, where six Naga civilians were found murdered, is a shocking one," he said.
Along said that, especially after the release of the 14 abducted Kuki civilians, there was hope that peace could be restored.
"The expectation was that peace could be restored and that there would be a reciprocal gesture of mutual understanding and concern through the release of the six individuals," he said.
"We pray that proper sense will prevail. This incident is indeed a shock to all of us. At the same time, we pray that all communities commit themselves towards prosperity and peace and refrain from any actions that could further harm society," Along said. The killing of the six Naga civilians has triggered widespread condemnation from various organisations and leaders across the Northeast, with renewed calls for justice, peace and communal harmony in the conflict-affected region.