Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) and various Naga frontal organisations have strongly condemned the alleged use of excessive force and tear gas by security personnel against peaceful protesters demanding justice for six Naga men killed at Namdilong, Kanglatongbi, in Imphal West district on Thursday.
A joint indigenous Meitei-Naga community and civil society bodies had organised the sit-in protest demanding justice for the six Naga victims and other Nagas allegedly killed by Kuki groups at Namdilong, Kanglatongbi.
The alleged use of excessive force by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and other security personnel against the protesters resulted in injuries to several civilians, including women. The injured were rushed to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) for treatment.
AC Thotso, member secretary of the Working Committee of the UNC, strongly condemned the violence at Namdilong, describing the situation as “war-like” after clashes on Thursday left several civilians injured. Thotso criticised the use of tear gas near private residences, calling such actions unacceptable.
He further said the use of force against protesters seeking justice for six Naga civilians was deeply unfortunate and indicative of the government’s failure to safeguard Naga lives and property.
“The Nagas who are victims are being harassed, intimidated, and persecuted repeatedly. Such unjust treatment has no place in a democratic society,” Thotso said.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Thotso urged the Centre and the state government to expedite the process and demonstrate a genuine commitment to justice.
He warned that the continued deployment of state forces and increasing militarisation of Naga areas would not resolve the underlying issues.
“History has shown that military solutions are not real solutions. The government must address the root causes and settle the matter permanently instead of relying on force,” he said.
Thotso emphasised that the killing of the six Naga men should not be forgotten or overshadowed by military action. He demanded an immediate end to all security operations in Namdilong and other Naga areas and called for the government to focus on a comprehensive resolution of the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) on Thursday banned the movement of goods-laden vehicles and trucks on national highways passing through JTCM territories comprising the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme Naga areas, with immediate effect.
The restriction will remain in place until further notice, the JTCM said.
The decision followed what the council described as the state government’s “complete disregard” for peaceful protesters, which it said resulted in severe injuries to several civilians at Namdilong, Kanglatongbi, in Imphal West district.
Also Read: Explained: Why Chakmas in India want India to annex Chittagong Hill Tracts