Nagaland CM urges calm after killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur, demands swift action

Guwahati, June 11: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has appealed for peace and restraint following the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur, while demanding that those responsible be swiftly identified, arrested and prosecuted.

Describing the killings as “horrific and inhuman”, Rio said the incident had come as a profound shock to the Naga people and represented a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life.

“What makes this tragedy even more painful and disturbing is the fact that it occurred after the Naga people had peacefully and unconditionally facilitated the safe release of all fourteen hostages who were in their custody,” the Chief Minister said in a statement.

According to Rio, the hostages were treated with humanity and compassion throughout their captivity and released unharmed despite the highly volatile situation prevailing in the region.

He said the release of the 14 hostages had been undertaken following consultations with Naga civil society organisations and church leaders, including appeals made by the Baptist World Alliance.

The move, he said, reflected the Naga community’s commitment to peace, compassion and human dignity.
Rio noted that Naga organisations had sought the reciprocal and safe release of six Naga hostages allegedly held by the Kuki community. However, he said the six civilians were instead “brutally murdered under circumstances that are both shocking and beyond comprehension.”
“The senseless loss of innocent lives has deeply wounded the conscience of the Naga people everywhere,” he said.

The Chief Minister urged both the Government of India and the Manipur government to take all necessary and urgent measures to ensure justice. He said accountability was essential and called for a fair, transparent and credible process to restore public confidence.
“Those responsible for this heinous crime must be identified, apprehended and prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

Rio also called on authorities to take concrete and impartial steps to ensure the safety and security of all communities, warning that any erosion of public trust could further aggravate an already fragile situation.

Amid fears of escalating tensions, the Chief Minister appealed to Nagas in Manipur, Nagaland and the wider North East region, as well as Naga communities in Myanmar, to remain calm and not allow grief and anger to lead to violence.

“Let us uphold the principles of peace, justice and human dignity, and resist all attempts to divide our people through fear and violence,” he said.

Expressing his condolences to the families of the victims, Rio said he stood in solidarity with the bereaved and urged people to draw strength from faith and unity during the difficult period.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed anguish over the killings and reiterated his government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“Deeply anguished by the brutal murder of six innocent Naga villagers abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Singh said in a statement.

“The Government of Manipur strongly condemns this heinous act and is committed to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. The case is being investigated by the NIA,” he said.

Singh also condemned the killing of a farmer from Lansan Kuki village in Tamenglong district and extended his condolences to the victim’s family.

The statements comes amid heightened tensions following the killing of the six Naga civilians, an incident that has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the fragile security situation in Manipur.

Also Read: UNC calls 24-hour shutdown across Naga areas after six hostages found dead

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