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

Guwahati, June 10: The United Naga Council (UNC) on Wednesday announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur after six Naga civilians abducted last month were found dead, with the organisation alleging that the bodies were recovered in a mutilated and dismembered condition.

The shutdown will be observed from 6 am on June 11 to 6 am on June 12 as a mark of protest and to demand justice for the victims, the UNC said in a statement.

Describing the killings as a “gross violation of human rights” and a challenge to the security and identity of the Naga people, the council said hopes of the victims’ safe return were shattered after the six hostages, abducted on May 13, were recovered as human remains. The UNC blamed militants of the Kuki National Front-President [KNF(P)] faction and residents of Leilon Vaiphei village for the abduction and killings.

The council also announced that the mortal remains of the six victims would not be received until its demands are addressed by the Manipur and Central governments.

Among its key demands, the UNC sought the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the abduction and killings, and the declaration of KNF(P) as a terrorist organisation.

It also demanded the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging a conflict of interest because of her familial links to the president of KNF(P).

The council said the incident had caused immense grief among Nagas and raised serious concerns over the government’s ability to protect innocent civilians amid the continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur.

Also Read: Meghalaya CM condemns killing of 6 Naga civilians, calls for restraint and justice

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