Kangpokpi: Representatives of several Tangkhul civil society organisations (CSOs), led by Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) president Sword Vashum, visited Makhan village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday to express solidarity with the families of six Naga men who were recently found dead after allegedly being abducted by Kuki militants.
The killing of the six civilians, including two pastors, has sparked outrage across Naga communities. Their bodies were recovered nearly a month after they reportedly went missing, with community leaders alleging that they had been abducted and killed by armed Kuki militants.
Around 200 representatives from various Tangkhul organisations participated in the visit. The delegation included members of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), Tangkhul Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), as well as zonal and federating units based in Imphal.
Speaking to reporters, TNL president Sword Vashum said the visit was aimed at expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and the Liangmai Naga community during a difficult time.
He stressed the importance of unity among Nagas in the face of ongoing challenges.
“It would be foolish enough to think that we can go solo because we are only committing suicide. So the only way forward for the Nagas is to come together and stand on unity,” Vashum said.
“To stand united on truth and justice is our only destiny,” he added.
In his solidarity message, Vashum strongly condemned the killing of the six men, who, according to Naga organisations, were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13.
“We do not find words strong enough to describe the immensity of inhumanity that leads to such acts of barbarity and savagery,” he said.
Vashum said the tragedy should serve as a reminder that the strength of the Naga people lies in their unity and collective resolve in confronting injustice and violence.
“No matter how mighty the adversaries may seem, they cannot defeat the Nagas if we stand united on the path of truth and justice,” he added.
During the visit, the Tangkhul organisations presented traditional Tangkhul shawls to the bereaved families and extended financial assistance amounting to Rs 1.12 lakh as a gesture of support.
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The delegation also distributed essential supplies to internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Konsakhul and other villages currently taking shelter at the Makhan relief camp. Organisers said around 140 displaced persons are presently staying at the camp amid the ongoing ethnic tensions in the state.
Following the visit to Makhan, the CSO representatives travelled to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary, where they paid their respects to the six deceased men whose bodies remain at the facility.
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