85 days on, families of six slain Naga civilians await justice as Poumai women extend support

A 12-member delegation of the Poumai Naga Naotumai Me (PNNM) visited Makhan village on August 6 to express solidarity with the families of six Naga civilians who were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13 and later killed. The delegation also extended financial assistance to the bereaved families and internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking shelter in the village.

 

The visit comes 85 days after the killings, with the victims' families saying they are still waiting for justice.

 

During an interaction with the delegation, residents highlighted the difficulties faced by nearly 200 displaced people staying in the village. While relief materials have been received from various organisations and agencies, they said the assistance remains insufficient to meet their long-term needs.

 

Villagers also said the Manipur government has yet to recognise Makhan as an official relief camp, resulting in inadequate support. They warned that food stocks could run low in the coming weeks unless additional assistance is provided.

 

The families of the six victims reiterated their demand for justice, stating that their appeal to the authorities has remained unchanged since the day of the incident.

 

The visit also comes ahead of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh's proposed visit to Makhan on August 8, which has been opposed by the Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (WC-JTCM). The committee has maintained that justice for the six slain civilians should precede any official visit by the Chief Minister.

 

Speaking to reporters, the chairman of Makhan village said the village had never invited the Chief Minister.

 

"We never asked the Chief Minister to come to Makhan. What we have been asking from the very beginning is justice for the six victims. Even after 85 days, justice has not been delivered," he said.

 

The chairman clarified that the village had no objection to the Chief Minister visiting but said the village would abide by the decision of the WC-JTCM.

 

"The WC-JTCM is the apex body leading our demand for justice. Whatever decision it takes, we will respect and follow. Since the committee has opposed the Chief Minister's visit and wants justice to come first, we stand by that decision," he added.

 

The Poumai women conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families and assured both the victims' families and displaced residents of their continued support.