Manipur Crisis: Council Refuses to Accept Bodies of Slain Naga Men
In a tense standoff in Manipur, the Joint Tribes' Council is refusing to accept the bodies of six Naga men killed by Kuki militants until those responsible for the abduction and murder are held accountable by the government and security forces.
Highlights
- •The Joint Tribes' Council has refused to accept the bodies of six Naga men until their killers are arrested.
- •The council has named several individuals, including a police officer and community leaders, as allegedly involved in the abduction.
- •DGP Mukesh Singh warned that security forces will deal strictly with anyone using illegal weapons or inciting violence.
- •Authorities report that 70% of weapons looted during the unrest have been recovered amid ongoing security operations.
Tensions remain high in Manipur as the Joint Tribes' Council has formally refused to accept the mortal remains of six Naga men who were allegedly killed by Kuki militants while in captivity. This ongoing Manipur conflict has intensified after the discovery of the bodies, prompting the council to demand immediate justice and accountability before proceeding with final rites.
Demands for Justice and Accountability
Merachao Inka, the convenor of the Joint Tribes' Council, has publicly declared that the families will not claim the bodies until their specific demands are addressed by the state authorities. The council is calling for the swift arrest of all individuals allegedly implicated in the abduction and subsequent killings of these civilians.
According to Mr. Inka, the allegations involve members of the women's society of Leilon Vaiphei, the chief of Lalbai Vaiphei, and a Manipur police official identified as Thanggilian. The council claims these individuals facilitated the abduction and handed the victims over to the Kuki National Front (Progressive), or KNF(P), whose cadres are accused of carrying out the murders. As of now, the government has not issued an official response to these serious allegations.
Security Forces Maintain Firm Stance
In response to the deteriorating security environment, the state’s Director General of Police, Mukesh Singh, has issued a strict warning regarding the unauthorized use of force. During his recent visit to Churachandpur and Bishnupur, he emphasized that security forces would adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward any individuals attempting to take the law into their own hands.
DGP Mukesh Singh confirmed that operations are currently focused on recovering illegal weapons, noting that approximately 70 percent of looted arms have already been retrieved. He explicitly stated that those brandishing weapons will face arrest, and security personnel have been authorized to act in self-defense if fired upon. Furthermore, the Manipur Police are actively monitoring social media to curb the spread of misinformation, which officials believe is fueling inter-community tensions. The DGP reaffirmed that proactive security measures will persist across the region until normalcy is restored, following extensive consultations with local district police, Assam Rifles, and civil society representatives.
