United Naga Council shutdown over the killing of six Naga men disrupted transport, trade and daily life across Naga areas in Manipur.
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IMPHAL — Normal life was disrupted across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur on Thursday following a 24-hour total shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body representing the Naga community in the state.
The shutdown affected vehicular movement along the Imphal–Mao stretch of National Highway 2 and the Imphal–Jiribam stretch of National Highway 37, two of Manipur's key supply routes.
Roads, markets and commercial centres remained largely deserted as shutdown supporters enforced the bandh in their respective areas, including along the highways.
Banks, markets, business establishments and fuel outlets also remained closed, while only vehicles engaged in essential services were allowed to operate.
Also read: United Naga Council seeks terror tag for KNF(P); impose 24-hour shutdown
The UNC called the shutdown from 6 am on Thursday to 6 am on June 12, demanding justice for the killing of six Naga men and immediate action against those responsible.
Condemning the killings and describing the condition of the recovered bodies as a gross violation of human dignity and human rights, the UNC expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and said the incident had caused immense pain and anguish among the Naga people.
The apex Naga body also stated that the mortal remains of the six victims would not be received until its charter of demands is addressed and justice is delivered to the bereaved families.
Its demands include the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, the arrest and prosecution of those allegedly involved in the abduction and killings, and the declaration of the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) as a terrorist organisation.
The UNC also sought justice for Wilson Chiru, who was killed in an ambush at Joujangtek on May 13.
In addition, the organisation demanded the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging that her husband, KNF-P president Semtinthang alias Thangboi Kipgen, was complicit in the killing of the six Naga villagers.
"Her continuation in office will amount to wilful compromise of the integrity of internal security concerns of both the state and the nation at large," the UNC alleged in its statement.