Imphal: The Joint Tribe Council (JTC) on Saturday announced that the families of six Naga men, who were allegedly abducted and killed, will not claim their bodies until those responsible for the crime are arrested.
Addressing media persons in Imphal, Merajao Kabui, Convenor of the JTC, strongly condemned the killings, calling them a “brutal act of murder”. He demanded prompt action against the perpetrators. The dismembered bodies of the six Naga men were recovered from Leilon Vaiphei village.
Kabui further stated that since the ambush and abduction on May 13, the JTC has been in ongoing discussions with various tribal bodies, government authorities, and Kuki civil society organisations in efforts to determine the fate of the missing Naga captives.
According to Kabui, Kuki organisations initially denied holding any additional Naga captives apart from two individuals who had already been released. He alleged that, despite persistent concerns raised by Naga groups, authorities eventually began treating the matter merely as a “missing persons case.”
This development, according to Kabui, has added to the frustration and anguish of the affected families, who continue to demand accountability and justice for the victims.
“We were surprised to see even the government agencies describing it as a case of six missing persons when there were strong reasons to believe they had been abducted,” he said.
Kabui further revealed that following extensive discussions with government officials and Kuki civil society organisations, Naga groups took a significant confidence-building step by releasing 14 Kuki captives who had been held in their custody.
“We treated the Kuki captives well, provided for their needs, and released them unharmed, expecting the same treatment in return,” said Kabui.
However, he alleged that instead of the safe return of the six Naga captives, their bodies were found in a decomposed state.
“What was returned to us were not bodies in a dignified condition, but decomposed remains. We are deeply hurt and disappointed,” Kabui said.
The Joint Tribe Council further announced that it would not immediately accept the bodies until its demands were met by authorities. Among the key demands include the arrest of all individuals allegedly involved in the abduction and killing, including those suspected of ordering or facilitating the crime.
Kabui specifically called for action against certain village leaders, including Thangboi, as well as members of local organisations and police personnel, whom he accused of involvement in the incident.
The JTC also demanded accountability from leaders of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), alleging that the organisation was responsible for the incident. Kabui called for the arrest of the KIM president and questioned the continued tenure of Manipur’s Deputy Chief Minister, Nemcha Kipgen, citing her familial relationship with the KIM president.
On the political front, Kabui urged the Government of India and the Manipur government to reconsider agreements with Kuki organisations. He demanded the abrogation of agreements involving KNA (P) and be declared a terrorist organisation.
Kabui also announced that various Naga and Meitei civil society organisations had come together in a united platform following the incident. He said the gathering resolved to set aside internal differences and work collectively in pursuit of justice.
“We will no longer allow ourselves to be divided by tribal or community identities. We will be known as “Yelhoumi phurup”. We stand united in our demand for justice,” he said.
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The Joint Tribe Council vowed to continue its movement until all its demands are fulfilled, stating that it would not yield to pressure from any quarter, including influential organisations or government authorities.
“We will continue pursuing our demands until justice is delivered and those responsible are held accountable,” added Kabui.
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