NSF urges President's intervention into six Naga killings, seeking independent probe, civilian protection and accountability in conflict-hit Manipur
KOHIMA — The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) on Thursday appealed to the President of India to intervene in the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur, demanding an independent probe, accountability for those responsible and immediate measures to protect Naga villages and civilians in the conflict-hit state.
The appeal was submitted to the president through the governor after the federation held a candlelight vigil at Phoolbari Junction in Kohima in memory of the six victims.
In its memorandum, the NSF sought the president's intervention to ensure justice for the victims, accountability for grave human rights violations, protection of civilians and restoration of peace in Manipur.
The federation demanded an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation into the abduction, captivity, torture and killing of the six Naga civilians, with all those responsible identified and prosecuted through due process.
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It also sought a comprehensive investigation into all incidents involving killings, abductions, attacks on civilians, destruction of property and displacement to ensure justice for affected families.
The NSF further called for a comprehensive review of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement in view of concerns over alleged violations, continued armed activities and grave human rights abuses associated with SoO groups.
It also demanded an independent inquiry into the conduct, neutrality and operational role of security forces in conflict-affected areas, including issues highlighted during the NSF's recent reconnaissance and solidarity mission.
The memorandum urged the Centre to immediately protect Naga villages, civilian populations, ancestral lands and community institutions affected by the conflict.
The federation also sought coordinated action against illegal poppy cultivation, narcotics trafficking and the proliferation of illicit arms, besides ensuring safe and unrestricted movement of civilians along National Highway-202 and other strategic routes through impartial and effective security arrangements.
Calling for a lasting political solution, the NSF urged the government of India to pursue peace through dialogue, justice, accountability and respect for the dignity and rights of all affected communities.
The memorandum further expressed concern over what it described as the expansion of illegal poppy cultivation, narcotics trafficking and the proliferation of sophisticated weapons by armed narco-Kuki militant groups, alleging that the illicit economy continues to fuel the ongoing violence.
It asserted that urgent intervention was necessary to safeguard civilian populations and restore peace and stability in the region.
The NSF also enclosed its independent report titled "Report on the Naga-Kuki Conflict in Manipur: Findings of the Naga Students' Federation Reconnaissance and Solidarity Mission to Southern Nagalim, Manipur" along with the memorandum.
'Do not test Naga patience'
Addressing the candlelight vigil, NSF president Mteisuding said that the gathering was intended to send a message to both the government of India and Kuki militant groups that the lives of Nagas cannot be taken lightly.
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He alleged that both Kuki militants and the government of India were accountable for the deaths of the six Naga civilians and accused the Centre of repeatedly attempting to suppress the Naga people. "The Nagas have always stood for peace, but if our patience continues to be tested, we will not remain silent," he said.
He also accused the Centre of attempting to wage a proxy war against the Nagas and urged Naga people to remain united. "We cannot fight alone.
Today it has happened in Nagalim; tomorrow it could happen elsewhere. We must stay united and show the government of India that we stand together," he said.
Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee convenor Thejao Vihienuo appealed to Kuki leaders to "withdraw from the misadventure" and said the killing of the six Nagas reflected deep-seated hatred towards the community.
“They were not just killed, but butchered and mortal remains were mutilated and killed in most inhuman manner. This speaks of what they want to do to all the Nagas. Yet to this moment Nagas have been patient and still waiting for them to withdraw from this misadventure,” he said.
He urged both the government of Manipur and the government of India to fulfil the peaceful and just demands of the United Naga Council (UNC), warning that failure to do so could further aggravate the situation.
NSF general secretary Kenilo Kent briefly highlighted the federation's ground assessment conducted in Manipur and said the report submitted to the president would also be released in print and digital formats.
Participants paid tribute to the six victims by lighting candles.