Dimapur, June 12 (MExN): Condemnation continued to pour in from student bodies, tribal organisations, political leaders and civil society groups across Nagaland over the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur, with all demanding justice for the victims and stringent action against those responsible.
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang condemned the killing of six Zeliangrong Naga men in Manipur, describing it as a barbaric and inhuman act that has deeply shocked the Naga community. In a statement, Zeliang said no ideology or conflict could justify such brutality and termed the incident an assault on humanity and human dignity. Referring to the earlier release of 14 Kuki hostages by the Nagas, he said the gesture of goodwill was met with "animalistic savagery." He urged the competent authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, identify all those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice without delay.
The Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) expressed "deepest grief and total condemnation" over the incident, alleging that the victims were abducted and later recovered in a mutilated condition. The union described the killings as an attack on the identity and dignity of the Naga people and claimed that the victims, including church leaders, were targeted for being Nagas. DNSU also criticised the Assam Rifles for allegedly failing to prevent the month-long abduction crisis despite its presence in the area and accused the Centre of indirectly enabling militant activities by continuing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups. The union demanded immediate abrogation of the SoO pact, an independent inquiry into the role of security forces and called upon Naga youth to remain united.
The Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) termed the incident barbaric and inhumane, saying such acts undermine peace, harmony and the rule of law. It urged the Manipur government and law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, arrest all those involved and ensure exemplary punishment.
The National People's Party (NPP), Nagaland, condemned the killings and expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives. The party observed that the incident came despite the humanitarian gesture shown by the Naga community through the release of 14 hostages and appealed to all communities to exercise restraint and uphold peace and mutual respect. Warning against retaliatory violence, the party said counter-actions would only deepen divisions and prolong suffering. It urged the Centre and the state authorities to conduct a time-bound and impartial investigation and prosecute those responsible while reaffirming the need for dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence in the Northeast.
The Rongmei Students' Organization Nagaland (RSON) strongly condemned the alleged killing of six civilians from Khonsaram village by suspected Kuki militants, calling the incident unacceptable and demanding that all perpetrators be identified, arrested and punished in accordance with the law. The organisation said there should be no impunity for such crimes and stressed the need to uphold peace, justice and human dignity.
The South Nagas' Union of Nagaland State denounced the killing of the six civilians, alleging that they were abducted on May 13 and later found in a mutilated condition. The union demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable without delay and urged the authorities to enforce law and order rather than merely issuing appeals for peace. It also extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Nagaland MLA Namri Nchang said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the killings, describing them as a grave violation of human rights and an affront to the dignity of the Naga people. He urged the Governments of Manipur and India to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation and bring all those responsible to justice without compromise.
The Zeliang Youth Organization (ZYO) described the killings as a barbaric crime against humanity and a direct assault on the security and collective existence of the Naga people. While appreciating the humanitarian role played by the United Naga Council in facilitating the release of 14 Kuki hostages, the organisation said the murder of the six civilians demanded urgent action. It called on the Centre, the Manipur government and law enforcement agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute all those involved and urged civil society organisations and human rights groups to unequivocally condemn the incident and stand in solidarity with the victims' families.
