UKHRUL: The Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) has condemned the continuing violence against Naga civilians and villages in Manipur, calling for stronger measures to protect civilians and ensure accountability for recent killings, abductions and destruction of property.
In a statement, the association said the killing of civilians, burning of houses and churches, and displacement of families amounted to serious violations of life, dignity and security. It maintained that no political cause could justify violence against civilians.
The NSA cited several recent incidents, including the killing of four Liangmai Naga civilians — Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, Mariakdibou Wijunamai, Anil Wijunamai and Wisobou Charenamai in an ambush along the Makui Ashang–Thanamba Naga stretch of the Imphal-Tamenglong Road on August 27.
It also referred to the killing of 17-year-old Liangmai Naga youth NK. Wiphenbou in an ambush while travelling towards Tamei in Tamenglong district on September 21.
According to the association, at least 41 Naga houses, including churches, were burnt in Makui Chamriupui, Makui Thanamba and Makui Thebram on September 23 and 24, forcing residents to flee the area. The NSA said the incidents raised concerns over the adequacy of existing arrangements for protecting civilians, particularly given the reported presence of security forces in the vicinity.
The association also condemned the killing of four Tangkhul Naga civilians — Phami Jajo, Vareshim Jajo, Betterson Jajo and Ningthem — at Pilong in Kamjong district on September 24.
The NSA said the recent incidents should be viewed against the backdrop of earlier attacks on Naga civilians, including the abduction of six Naga civilians in May, whose remains were recovered weeks later, and the killing of two Naga civilians in an ambush at TM-Kasom village in Ukhrul district on April 18.
The association said the incidents represented a continuing pattern of killings, abductions, attacks, arson and displacement affecting Naga civilians and settlements in the state.
Questioning the adequacy of the response from the authorities, the NSA said repeated incidents of violence over several months could not be addressed through condolences and assurances alone. It called for those responsible to be identified, investigated and brought to justice, while urging authorities to provide effective protection and rehabilitation to affected civilians and villages.
ALSO READ: Candlelight Vigil Held at Kangla for Eight Naga Victims since Sep 21
The association called upon the state and central governments to prioritise the protection of civilian life, saying that a peace process must also ensure the security and dignity of civilians affected by the conflict.
“Peace cannot be built upon impunity, nor can it be reduced to the absence of open confrontation between armed groups while civilians continue to bear the consequences of violence. A genuine peace process must ensure the security and dignity of the people in whose name peace is being pursued,” it stated.
The NSA expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and affected Naga communities and urged authorities to ensure that the recent deaths and destruction of homes and places of worship are not left unaddressed.
