Student body demands probe into killings, review of SoO pact and stronger protection for Naga villages in Manipur

Kohima, July 9: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu seeking urgent intervention to ensure justice for six Naga civilians allegedly abducted and killed in Manipur and calling for a comprehensive review of the security situation in the conflict-hit state.

The memorandum, routed through the Governor of Nagaland, was submitted on the sidelines of a candlelight vigil in Kohima held in memory of the six Liangmai Naga civilians whose bodies were recovered in June after they were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district.

The NSF said justice, accountability and protection of civilians were essential for lasting peace and urged the President to take immediate steps to address what it described as the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur.

The student body also submitted a report titled “Report on the Naga-Kuki Conflict in Manipur: Findings of the Naga Students’ Federation Reconnaissance and Solidarity Mission to Southern Nagalim, Manipur,” based on a fact-finding mission conducted from June 4 to 6.

According to the memorandum, the delegation visited affected villages, relief camps, churches and civil society organisations, documenting accounts of displacement, destruction of property, livelihood losses and continuing insecurity.

The NSF alleged that despite humanitarian efforts by Naga civil society organisations and community leaders to secure the release of the six abducted civilians, their bodies were recovered on June 10, leaving families and the wider Naga community in grief.

Expressing concern over the prolonged violence, the federation said communities continued to face insecurity, restrictions on movement and psychological distress.

The memorandum also raised concerns over the alleged expansion of illegal poppy cultivation, narcotics trafficking and the proliferation of sophisticated weapons, claiming these were contributing to continued violence in the region.

Among its key demands, the NSF called for an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation into the abduction and killing of the six Naga civilians, a comprehensive probe into attacks on civilians, a review of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, an inquiry into the conduct of security forces, stronger protection for Naga villages and urgent action against illegal poppy cultivation, drug trafficking and illicit arms.

The federation also sought measures to ensure safe and unrestricted movement of civilians along National Highway-202 and other strategic routes.

Stating that lasting peace could only be achieved through dialogue, justice and accountability, the NSF urged the Centre to take meaningful steps to restore public confidence and protect the rights and dignity of all affected communities in Manipur.

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