Naga Hoho alleges militarisation and collusion in Manipur's Naga areas, demanding justice for Leilon Vaiphei killings and accountability
DIMAPUR — Alleging increasing militarisation of Naga-inhabited areas in Manipur and an "unholy nexus" between Indian armed forces and Kuki militant groups, the Naga Hoho has called for an immediate halt to security operations, sought accountability over the alleged collusion, and demanded justice for the killing of six Naga men at Leilon Vaiphei village.
The demands were adopted during the organisation's 3rd federal assembly held on July 31 at Senapati district headquarters in Manipur and issued in a statement on Sunday.
The Naga Hoho alleged that the Indian armed forces were working in collusion with Kuki militant elements engaged in what it described as a proxy war against the Nagas. It claimed the alleged nexus was aimed at destabilising Naga villages, eroding Naga territorial integrity and undermining the historical and political rights of the Naga people, besides attempting to derail the Indo-Naga peace process.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating security and political situation in Naga areas, particularly in Manipur, the organisation also warned against the reported deployment of Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) in Naga villages.
It contended that indiscriminate search operations involving warrantless house-to-house searches, interrogation of civilians and harassment of women, children and the elderly would create fear among the population and amount to collective punishment.
The Hoho further alleged that the continued militarisation of Naga areas and the use of villages as operational corridors had transformed the region into a conflict zone, posing a threat to civilian safety and peaceful coexistence.
Condemning the Leilon Vaiphei village massacre, the organisation recalled that six Naga men, including two pastors, were brutally killed and mutilated.
The Naga Hoho also criticised what it termed the failure of the Centre and the Manipur government to address its charter of demands relating to the killings, stating that it would pursue democratic measures to secure justice for the victims and their families.
Among its demands, the organisation called for an immediate halt to militarisation and any proposed CASO in Naga areas, accountability over the alleged nexus between security forces and Kuki militant groups, implementation of its charter of demands concerning the six killings, and measures to ensure the safety of people travelling on highways.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Naga history, territory and identity, the Naga Hoho appealed to the Naga people to remain united and vigilant, stating that any attempt to suppress Naga rights or use Naga areas for proxy conflict would be resisted through democratic means.