Senapati: A solemn prayer and condolence service for the four Naga civilians killed in a recent ambush along the IT Road was held at Senapati district headquarters on Saturday morning, ahead of the transportation of their remains to Chawangkining village in Kangpokpi district for burial.
The condolence service was jointly organised by the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Peoples’ Organisation (NPO), Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA) and Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA).
The mortal remains will be transported to Chawangkining under heavy security escort. People travelling to the village to attend the burial service will also be provided security escort, officials said.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the condolence service, Naga People’s Front (NPF) Manipur State Unit president and MLA Awangbow Newmai appealed to Kuki leaders, particularly Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, to “teach her people to be more humane”. He also urged Kuki Christian leaders to teach their people to “be more Christian”.
Newmai said Nagas have traditionally shown respect even to their enemies during times of conflict.
“Even when we kill an enemy, we show respect. But today, it is unthinkable that there are people who do not respect human beings,” he said.
He affirmed that the Nagas would leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for the four victims.
Newmai further alleged that the Kuki National Front (President) [KNF(P)], a group under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, was involved not only in the killing of the four Naga civilians but also in the killing of six Liangmai Nagas whose dismembered remains, he said, are still being kept at the JNIMS mortuary.
“The SoO must be abrogated and those involved in these barbaric crimes must be punished,” Newmai said.
Stating that Naga leaders remained committed to respecting all communities, Newmai urged the Naga people to remain united and continue to stand together against what he described as the enemy.
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