Civil society groups and political parties condemn the killing of six Naga individuals in Manipur.
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DIMAPUR — The recent abduction and brutal killing of six Naga individuals in Manipur have drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, including Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, civil society groups, Naga organisations and political parties.
The six civilians from Konsakhul Naga village, whose mortal remains were recovered on June 10, were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, allegedly by Kuki militants, village volunteers and leaders.
TR Zeliang: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang has strongly condemned the abduction and killing of several men, describing the incident as a "barbaric and senseless act of violence."
In a statement, Zeliang said the abduction and subsequent killing of the innocent men in such a cruel manner had "shaken me to the core." He asserted that no cause, grievance, ideology or conflict could justify such brutality.
"Such acts are a direct assault on the values of humanity, peace and coexistence that bind our society together," he said, adding that the victims had been deprived of their lives and dignity in a manner that had shocked the conscience of society.
Zeliang called for a thorough and impartial investigation to identify and apprehend all those involved and ensure they are prosecuted according to law. He also conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the Zeliangrong community.
FNR: The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) stated that the release of 14 Kuki individuals in Senapati on June 9, facilitated through the efforts of the United Naga Council along with its federating tribal units, ANSAM and the Naga Women Union, had raised hopes for a reciprocal release of the six Nagas. However, those expectations ended in tragedy.
Expressing concern over the escalating cycle of violence, the FNR called on responsible Naga and Kuki leaders to end hostilities and address underlying differences through dialogue.
NSF: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) stated that the brutality inflicted upon the victims was beyond the bounds of human comprehension.
The federation said the nature of the killings reflected "a level of savagery that strikes at the very core of our shared humanity," and described the acts as being contrary to human dignity, cultural values and the fundamental principles of humanity.
The NSF further alleged that the torture and desecration of the victims' bodies were intended to humiliate, terrorise and dehumanise the entire Naga community.
Holding Kuki militants under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government of India responsible for the incident, the federation said they must be held accountable for what it described as a grievous crime committed against innocent civilians.
The NSF also held both the Government of Manipur and the Government of India accountable for what it termed their continued failure to safeguard citizens and uphold the rule of law.
MLA Namri Nchang: Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly Namri Nchang said that the prayerful hopes and humanitarian expectations of the Naga people, following the release of 14 Kuki detainees, have been shattered by the horrifying revelation that the six victims were recovered in a gruesomely mutilated and dismembered condition.
"This unspeakable atrocity constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights and a grave affront to the sanctity and dignity of human life. I unequivocally condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this heinous and barbaric act perpetrated against innocent Naga civilians.
"The brutal murder of these innocent civilians has profoundly shaken public confidence in the ability of the authorities to safeguard the lives and security of law-abiding citizens. It also represents a direct assault on the dignity, identity, and collective security of the Naga people," Nchang said.
NPP Nagaland: The National People's Party (NPP) Nagaland noted with deep concern that the unfortunate incident occurred despite the goodwill and humanitarian gesture demonstrated by the Naga people through the release of 14 Kuki hostages.
"Such acts of reconciliation and goodwill should have encouraged greater understanding, trust, and peaceful coexistence among all communities," it stated.
The party appealed to all concerned groups, organisations and communities to exercise utmost restraint and uphold peace, harmony and mutual respect in the region.
"Retaliatory actions and counter-violence will only deepen divisions, escalate tensions, and ultimately play into the hands of those who seek to destabilise the region and sow discord among its people. Counter-actions will not bring any meaningful solution but will only perpetuate the cycle of suffering and mistrust," the party stated.
SNUNS: The South Nagas' Union of Nagaland State (SNUNS) asserted that responsibility for the dismemberment and mutilation of the victims' bodies, which reportedly bore signs of torture, must be fully borne by the Kuki militants, and that Leilon village should be held accountable without delay.
The union stated that such acts of barbarity raised serious questions about the perpetrators' humanity and their place in civilised society.
Maintaining that no amount of hypocrisy, distraction or deceitful tactics would deter the Nagas from pursuing justice, SNUNS demanded that the concerned administrative authorities exercise their full authority to uphold law and order, rather than merely appeasing the Nagas with expressions of grief and appeals for peace.
ZBCC: The Zeme Baptist Church Council (ZBCC) stated that the unimaginable acts of barbarity stand in absolute contradiction to the fundamental values of humanity, justice and the sanctity of life.
"No apology, no grievances and no ideology can ever justify such barbaric act. This hideous act of violence has not only robbed the precious life but has also inflicted great trauma to the bereaved family and the village, and the community at large.
"We urge the competent authorities to undertake immediate, thorough, and impartial action to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied. The perpetrators of this abhorrent act must be brought to account in accordance with the rule of law, thereby reinforcing public confidence in justice and governance," the ZBCC stated.
DNSU: The Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) stated that while the Naga community has consistently maintained extreme restraint and upheld peace, even facilitating the safe, unconditional release of 14 Kuki individuals just a day prior to this horror, the goodwill was met with absolute barbarism.
"The victims, including revered church leaders, were targeted simply for being Naga. This is not just a criminal act; it is a direct, unprovoked assault on the collective identity, land rights, and dignity of the Naga people," the union maintained.
"The DNSU issues a definitive clarion call to all Nagas, particularly the student community and the youth across our borders: Rise up, stand united as one and prepare yourselves for any eventualities. We must defend our people, our identity, and our land rights against any forces attempting to destabilise our peace or infringe upon our security."
KIN: The Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN) stated that the deliberate killing of innocent civilians can never be justified under any circumstances.
"Such acts of brutality are a direct assault on the sanctity of human life and constitute a grave crime against humanity. Violence, revenge, and the taking of innocent lives do not resolve grievances; rather, they deepen wounds, perpetuate hatred, and undermine the prospects of peace and reconciliation among communities.
"It is both tragic and disturbing that despite our shared Christian values, innocent lives continue to be lost to senseless acts of cruelty. No individual or group has the moral authority to take away a life that they did not create. The path of revenge only leads to further suffering and destruction," the Inpi stated.
NBPU: The Nagaland Baptist Pastors' Union (NBPU) condemned the killing of six Naga civilians, including Dr. Manu Tbiumai and pastor Phenrongwi Thiumai.
"An attack on religious leader is an attack on the values of peace, harmony and humanity. No grievances or cause can ever justify the cold-blooded murder of an unarmed person who dedicated his life to spiritual service," the union stated.
It also condemned the rape of a 14-year-old girl in Dimapur.
ZYO: The Zeliang Youth Organisation (ZYO) stated that the manner in which the innocent lives were taken reflects a level of cruelty that is beyond comprehension and stands as one of the "most gruesome and satanic acts" witnessed in recent times.
"This brutal crime is not only an attack on the victims and their families but a direct assault on the dignity, security, and collective existence of the Naga people," it stated.
The ZYO reiterated that the perpetrators of these barbaric killings must be brought to justice without delay and that all necessary measures must be taken to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians across the region.
RSON: The Rongmei Students' Organisation Nagaland (RSON) said such heinous violence against innocent civilians was unacceptable and deserves the strongest condemnation from all sections of society.
RSON appealed to the concerned authorities to ensure that justice is delivered without delay and that all those responsible for the horrific crime are identified, apprehended, and punished in accordance with the law.
NGTC: The Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) expressed profound shock and anguish over the senseless loss of innocent lives.
"Such cowardly acts not only violate the sanctity of human life but also undermine peace, harmony, and the rule of law in the region.
"The council urges the Government of Manipur and all concerned law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, swiftly nab all those involved in this horrific crime, and ensure that they are awarded befitting punishment in accordance with the law," it stated.