Newmai News Network
Imphal | August 27
The United Naga Council (UNC) has called a 12-hour bandh, termed a “genna” observation, in Naga areas under its jurisdiction from 6 pm on August 28, following the killing of four Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district on Thursday morning.
The UNC said all vehicular movement, shops and business establishments, government offices, and private and government institutions would remain closed during the stipulated period. Emergency services and board/common examinations have been exempted from the bandh.
The UNC condemned what it described as a “barbaric and calculated attack on innocent Naga civilians” belonging to the Liangmai community between Makui Ashang and Makui Thanamba villages along the IT Road in Kangpokpi.
According to the Naga body, the incident occurred at around 8:30 am. The UNC said the attack occurred in an area that serves as an important lifeline for Naga communities living along the IT Road.
It identified those killed as Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of Chawangkining Village Authority and former vice president of the Liangmai Naga Council (LNC); Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T. Khullen; Mariakdibou Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club; and Anil Wijunamai, also an executive member of Makui Youth Club.
Gaikamang Ringkangmai was identified as injured, while one person was reported missing. The UNC said Japou MK, a student leader from Thonglang Akutpa village, “miraculously escaped” the incident.
Expressing grief over the deaths, the UNC also criticised the security arrangements in the area, alleging a “complete security failure” that led to the deaths of the four Liangmai civilians.
The Naga body alleged that the incident reflected “discriminatory security deployment.” The UNC demanded immediate intervention by the authorities, arrest of those responsible and early delivery of justice. It also called for the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident.
The UNC further warned that the attack should be viewed seriously as a “calculated escalation” of the situation.
“This is a direct challenge to peace, the Indo-Naga peace process and to the very existence of Nagas in our ancestral lands,” the UNC said, while calling on Naga people to remain vigilant and united.
