UKHRUL: In response to the alleged attack on Naga Village Guards by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) today in Bitiang village, located in Noney District, Manipur, the Bitiang Village Authority has formally requested the Deputy Commissioner of Noney District to withdraw the security forces from the village. Additionally, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has condemned the attack, accusing the CRPF’s CoBRA units and the Zeliangrong United Front-Jiangchui (ZU-J) group of being responsible.
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The incident resulted in the death of one Naga Village Guard (NVG) and serious injuries to another. According to the Bitiang Village Authority, the attack occurred at approximately 6:00 AM today on the outskirts of the village, leading to the death of Lanbimei Riamei, an NVG from Longmai village, and leaving another guard in critical condition.
Villagers expressed that the NVG members were protecting their community during the ongoing Kuki-Naga conflict and emphasized that they are indigenous citizens of the area. “The CRPF-CoBRA Team and other security forces have not taken appropriate action against the individuals responsible for the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians from Leilon Vaiphei village. Instead, they have attacked innocent villagers and their defenders,” the Bitiang villagers stated, urging the immediate withdrawal of the CRPF-CoBRA units.
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Furthermore, the NSCN-IM has strongly denounced what it characterized as an unprovoked assault on volunteers from the Western Command of the Naga Village Guard and the Joint Tribes Council of Manipur (JTCM), who were protecting Bitiang village. The group condemned the attack, which led to the death of an NVG member, stating that it is a serious violation of the indigenous Naga community’s right to security and protection.
The NSCN-IM further criticized the collusion between the ZUF-J and CoBRA units of the Indian Central Reserve Police Force during the operation, describing it as reprehensible. This apparent alignment of elite Indian forces with armed aggressors undermines the principles of neutrality and accountability, the group added.
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The NSCN-IM extended its deepest condolences to the family of the fallen Village Guard, mourning the loss of a brave hero who sacrificed his life to protect his community. “May the Almighty grant him eternal rest, and may his family find strength and solace during this time of grief,” the NSCN-IM prayed.
