Newmai News Network
Imphal: The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) and the Rongmei Naga People Organization (RNPO) have strongly condemned the recent brutal killings of women and children in Manipur, calling for an immediate end to violence and urging peace among the warring communities.
In a statement, the NWU expressed deep sorrow over the “cold-blooded” murders of women and children during the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that targeting vulnerable groups in such acts of violence is not only inhumane but also exacerbates tensions.
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“Touching the lives of hapless sections of society is a crime beyond compare. The killing of children and women has instilled widespread fear and has the potential to fuel further conflict,” the statement read. The NWU appealed to armed groups from both the Meitei and Kuki communities to cease acts of violence, including killing, assault, and rape, and focus on restoring normalcy.
The NWU further urged women from all sides to serve as agents of peace, stating, “Our reactions can either ignite or calm the situation. It is time to turn towards dialogue and peacebuilding efforts.”
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In a similar statement, the RNPO condemned the “brutal killing” of six Meiteis, including three children—one as young as eight months—and three women, reportedly abducted by suspected Kuki-Zo militants from Jakuradhor village in Jiribam district. Their bodies were later discovered floating in the Barak and Jiri rivers. The RNPO also condemned the killing and burning of Zosangkim Hmar, a Hmar woman and mother of three, allegedly by valley-based militants, as well as the burning of seven houses in Zairawn Hmar village on November 7.
Highlighting the protections afforded to women and children under international laws such as the Geneva Convention, the RNPO described these acts as “cruel and unacceptable by any standard.” It called on all parties to abandon violence and engage in dialogue to restore peace.
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