Says mortal remains will not be received until demands are met
Senapati, June 10 (MExN): The United Naga Council (UNC) has announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas from 6:00 am on June 11 to 6:00 am on June 12, demanding justice for six Naga civilians whose mortal remains were reportedly recovered on Wednesday.
The Council also placed a “Charter of Demands” and stated that the mortal remains of the six Naga hostages will not be received until and unless the demands are met and justice is ensured by the Governments of Manipur and India for the families of those killed.
In a press statement issued following the announcement of the recovery of the mortal remains of six persons by Manipur Police on June 10, the UNC expressed shock and anguish, alleging that they were abducted on May 13 by villagers from Leilon Vaiphei and cadres of the Kuki National Front-Presidential Group (KNF-P).
While the police did not identify the deceased, the announcement stated that the “deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on 13 May 2026.”
According to the UNC, the prayerful expectation of the Naga people following the release of 14 Kuki detainees on June 9 was confronted by the shocking recovery.
The victims were recovered as human remains in “highly mutilated and dismembered conditions,” the UNC claimed, terming the incident a “most unacceptable and gross violation of human rights and disrespect for the dignity of human persons.”
“We condemn this sacrilegious and satanic act upon the innocent Naga civilians in the strongest terms,” it added.
Condemning the killings in the strongest terms, the UNC also extended its condolences to the bereaved families.
The Council stated that the incident had caused immense pain among the Naga people and shaken citizens’ faith in the Government’s ability to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians.
It further termed the killings a challenge to the collective identity and security of the Naga people.
Accordingly, the UNC declared the shutdown as a peaceful protest and appealed to citizens to observe it peacefully and in solidarity with the victims’ families until justice is delivered.
Meanwhile, the Council’s “Charter of Demands” included the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki armed groups and the immediate arrest and prosecution of all KNF-P personnel allegedly involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians, including two pastors, from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13.
It also sought the declaration of the KNF-P as a terrorist organisation.
The Council further demanded the arrest and prosecution of Lalboi Vaiphei, identified as the chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, along with all others whom it alleged were involved in the abduction.
In addition, the UNC demanded the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office, alleging a conflict of interest due to her marital relationship with KNF-P President Sentinthang alias Thangboi Kipgen. The Council claimed that her continuation in office would undermine public confidence and compromise internal security concerns. The allegations could not be independently verified by this newspaper.
At the time of filing this report, the identities of the deceased had not been officially confirmed, and no group and individual had been officially held responsible in connection with the deaths.
