Imphal: The Naga Women Union (NWU) has urged the Manipur government to take immediate steps to protect civilians along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road and other Naga villages across the state, amid reports of attacks, killings, armed firing, destruction of property and burning of homes.
In a statement, the NWU expressed concern over the continuing violence in Naga villages along the IT Road, stating that civilians were facing the consequences of the conflict.
The Union also referred to the killing of NK Wiphenbou, a Class XI student, allegedly by Kuki armed militants, saying the incident on September 21, the International Day of Peace, underscored the need for greater protection of civilians.
The NWU expressed concern over what it described as the concentration and continued armed activities of Kuki militant groups in the area. It alleged that multiple attacks and ambushes by armed groups had created an increasingly dangerous environment for civilians, while Naga villagers had been compelled to protect their homes and communities from immediate threats.
According to the Union, more than a dozen people have been killed in the area. It urged the government to address what it described as the presence of armed groups in the region and the alleged frequency of attacks, ambushes and burning of houses that have resulted in displacement.
The NWU said the Nagas’ appeal to the government for protection should not be viewed as a sign of weakness, asserting that seeking protection from the state when civilians are under threat is a legitimate democratic action.
The Union said the government has a responsibility to protect civilians and prevent armed groups from threatening their lives and security.
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The NWU urged the government to immediately strengthen civilian protection in the IT Road area and take steps to prevent further attacks and displacement. It also called for impartial investigations into reported incidents and measures to ensure that the IT Road does not become a continuing zone of insecurity.
The Union further appealed for decisive state intervention to prevent further escalation of the conflict and create conditions conducive to the safety of civilians.
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