Naga CSOs condemn government inaction over civilian killing, demand justice for victims

Several Naga civil society organisations and indigenous community groups on Tuesday, June 9 strongly condemned what they described as the Manipur government's failure to curb militant violence and ensure the safety of civilians, following the killing of a Rongmei Naga villager in an alleged militant ambush.

Representatives of various Naga civil society organisations and local community bodies gathered at the mortuary of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, to pay homage to 58-year-old Chunjanglung Panmei, who was killed during an alleged ambush by armed militants on June 8. Floral tributes were offered to the deceased during a condolence programme attended by members of different communities and civil society groups.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Foothill Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC) leader Ng Akhui expressed strong dissatisfaction over what he termed the government's inability to prevent repeated attacks on innocent civilians and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Akhui alleged that armed militants have continued targeting civilians in various parts of the state, while the government has failed to take effective action. He questioned the purpose of governance if authorities were unable to safeguard the lives of ordinary citizens and urged the administration to take immediate steps against those responsible for the killing.

According to Akhui, Panmei, a resident of Pongringlong village in Kangpokpi district, was allegedly killed by armed Kuki militants while he had gone to repair water pipelines and collect firewood from a nearby forest. Describing the incident as an act of terrorism, he called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved.

He further alleged that indigenous communities have been facing continuous threats from armed groups, while official responses have largely been limited to issuing condemnation statements. Such responses, he said, have failed to inspire confidence among affected communities.

The FNCC leader also raised concerns over the movement of armed militants carrying sophisticated weapons despite the presence of security forces. He claimed that the perceived lack of action by security agencies has created a trust deficit among local residents, forcing villages to organise their own defence mechanisms through village guards.

Akhui further questioned the effectiveness of security operations and alleged that the continued presence of armed militants in public areas without intervention has raised serious concerns among local communities.

He also reiterated demands for the withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with Kuki militant groups and called for stronger measures to address what he described as the root causes of the ongoing conflict.

The incident occurred in the early hours of June 8 when armed militants allegedly ambushed a group of Rongmei Naga villagers collecting firewood in the forested area between Pongringlong and Charoi Pondaijang villages. While other villagers reportedly managed to escape and return home, Panmei was reported missing.

Subsequently, his body bearing multiple bullet injuries was recovered from a nearby forest area. The body was taken to the RIMS mortuary for post-mortem examination and was later handed over to family members on Tuesday following the completion of legal formalities.

Prior to the release of the body, a condolence service was held at the RIMS mortuary premises, where community leaders, civil society representatives and members of the public gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased.