Kohima, August 28 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF) have condemned the killing of Naga civilians in an ambush along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
In separate statements, the two organisations said the attack took place on August 27 between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga village along the IT Road.
The GNF said four Naga civilians were killed, including the founder and principal of a local school, while another person was injured and one remained unaccounted for.
The NPF, however, said five unarmed civilians belonging to the Liangmai Naga community were killed in the attack at around 8:30 am.
The GNF described the incident as part of a continuing pattern of violence against Naga civilians and alleged that the Central and Manipur governments had failed to ensure the safety and security of the Naga people.
The forum also recalled the reported abduction and killing of six Nagas on May 13, saying the victims’ bodies remained in a hospital morgue while the demands of the Naga people for justice were yet to be fulfilled.
The NPF also recalled the May 13 incident, saying Nagas were yet to overcome the trauma of the killings and justice was still awaited.
The NPF termed the latest attack “barbaric and cowardly” and said repeated attacks on innocent civilians were condemnable and inhumane. Such incidents also raised serious questions about lapses and failure of law-enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of people travelling along the vital road, it said.
The GNF criticised both the authorities and Naga leadership, alleging that repeated condemnations, memoranda and committees had failed to prevent attacks on civilians.
“If a nation cannot protect its civilians travelling on its own roads, it is not a nation,” the forum said, while calling for stronger measures to protect Naga civilians.
The GNF also questioned the functioning of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework, alleging that armed cadres operating from designated camps had been involved in attacks. It demanded accountability from the Centre and said security arrangements must effectively protect civilians.
The forum also criticised Kuki political leadership, saying general appeals for peace were no longer sufficient. It referred to a statement by Thadou Inpi, which, according to the GNF, had named individuals allegedly linked to the attack and demanded their arrest.
The GNF called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, saying political statements would have little meaning without concrete action against armed perpetrators.
The NPF urged the Manipur government and the Centre to ensure adequate security measures, particularly along vulnerable stretches inhabited by Nagas, and demanded that the perpetrators be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
The GNF, while rejecting a path of revenge, called for civilian protection and accountability.
“We are done with condolences. We are done with asking for permission to live,” the forum said, adding that leaders at the state, central and community levels should be held accountable if they failed to ensure the safety of Naga citizens.
The NPF also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and said targeting innocent civilians could never be justified, as such violence would vitiate the atmosphere and derail efforts towards peace and normalcy in the region.
