Nagas submit memorandum to President, seeks probe into killing of six Nagas in Manipur

Kohima, Jul 9 (PTI) The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) on Thursday sought the intervention of President Droupadi Murmu to ensure justice, accountability and protection of Naga civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, particularly the killing of six Naga civilians. The demand was made through a memorandum submitted to the President via Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav following a candlelight vigil in Kohima under the theme "Justice for Six Nagas." The bodies of those six civilians who were abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district were recovered on June 10 from the vicinity of a Kuki Zo village. The recovery took place a day after 14 Kuki individuals, who were abducted by armed groups in Senapati district nearly a month ago, were released. The federation reiterated its demand for a transparent, impartial and time-bound investigation into the killings. In the memorandum, the NSF said the vigil reflected the collective grief of the Naga people over the alleged abduction, torture and killing of six civilians by armed Kuki militants during the Manipur conflict. The federation enclosed 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 its June 4-6 field visit. According to the NSF, the mission assessed the humanitarian and security situation in Naga-inhabited areas through interactions with affected families, village authorities, churches, civil society organisations and student bodies. It documented incidents of violence, displacement, destruction of property and disruption of livelihoods. The memorandum said Naga communities continue to face insecurity due to attacks, restrictions on movement and fear for civilian safety, while families of those killed or missing remain under severe emotional and psychological distress. The federation maintained that justice and accountability through a fair and transparent process were essential to restore public confidence and prevent similar incidents. It also expressed concern over continued civilian casualties despite the deployment of security forces in Manipur and called for a review of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The NSF further alleged that illegal poppy cultivation, narcotics trafficking and the proliferation of sophisticated weapons by "armed narco-Kuki militant groups" were contributing to the violence. Among its eight demands, the federation sought a time-bound independent probe into the killing of the six civilians, investigation into all incidents involving killings, abductions and displacement, a review of the SoO arrangement, an inquiry into the conduct of security forces, protection of Naga villages and civilians, action against illegal poppy cultivation and illicit arms, safe movement along National Highway-202 and other strategic routes, and sustained efforts for lasting peace through dialogue, justice and accountability. Addressing the gathering, NSF president Mteisuding described the vigil as a "revolutionary solidarity" for the six slain Nagas and alleged that they had been brutally killed, mutilated and buried in different places. He reiterated the federation's demand for justice, urging authorities to bring those responsible to book without delay. Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee convenor Thejao Vihienuo expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and said the gathering honoured the memory of the six slain Nagas. While advocating peaceful coexistence, he appealed to Kuki leaders to end the violence and urged the Manipur government and the Centre to fulfil the demands of the United Naga Council (UNC), warning that failure to do so could lead to further escalation. PTI NBS NN