UKHRUL: The Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee (NTHCC) and the Mao Council has expressed its deepest anguish, outrage, and unequivocal condemnation over the brutal murder of six innocent Naga villagers in Manipur, describing the crime as one of the most horrific and barbaric acts witnessed in recent times. Archbishop Linus Neli, Catholic Archdiocese of Imphal has also expressed profound sorrow over the continuing cycle of violence that has afflicted Manipur for the past three years.
The recovery of the mutilated mortal remains of the victims has confirmed the worst fears of the Naga people and exposed what the NTHCC termed a “cold-blooded, inhuman, and satanic act” that has shocked the conscience of humanity. The Committee stated that the manner in which the victims were tortured and killed reflects a level of cruelty beyond comprehension and constitutes a direct assault on the dignity, security, and collective existence of the Naga people.
According to reports, the victims were abducted by armed Kuki elements before being mercilessly tortured and murdered. The condition in which their bodies were recovered leaves no doubt about the savage nature of the crime. The NTHCC described the killings as a grave crime against humanity, a blatant violation of human rights, and a direct affront to the principles of justice, peace, and human dignity.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Mao Council strongly condemned the heinous murder of the six innocent villagers from Kongsakhul, who were reportedly waylaid and kidnapped by individuals from Lailon Vaiphei village before their mutilated bodies were recovered on June 10, 2026. The Council described the killings as an act of cowardice and brutality beyond the bounds of civilized human conduct and expressed shock at the level of savagery displayed by the perpetrators.
The Council urged the competent authorities to conduct an impartial inquiry and ensure that justice is delivered to the bereaved families without delay, reiterating that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
The NTHCC also placed on record its appreciation to the United Naga Council (UNC) for its timely humanitarian intervention in facilitating the safe release of fourteen Kuki hostages. The Committee acknowledged the efforts of all those who worked tirelessly under difficult circumstances to secure their freedom and prevent further loss of innocent lives. While welcoming the release of the hostages as a humanitarian achievement, the Committee emphasized that it does not diminish the gravity of the murder of the six Naga victims and reiterated that all those responsible must be brought to justice.
The NTHCC warned that such acts of brutality deepen mistrust, sow hatred, and threaten the fragile social fabric of the region at a time when communities are yearning for peace, reconciliation, and coexistence. The Committee stressed that the killing of innocent civilians can never be justified on political, ethnic, territorial, or ideological grounds.
Demanding immediate action, the NTHCC called upon the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and all concerned law enforcement agencies to ensure that every individual involved in the crime—including the perpetrators, conspirators, and those who aided or abetted the abduction and killings—is identified, arrested, prosecuted, and punished in accordance with the law. Failure to ensure swift justice, the Committee warned, would embolden further violence and undermine public confidence in the State’s ability to protect innocent citizens.
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The Committee further appealed to civil society organizations, tribal bodies, and human rights institutions to unequivocally condemn the atrocity and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. It stressed that silence in the face of such crimes only encourages lawlessness, impunity, and the normalization of violence against innocent people.
Expressing profound sorrow over the continuing cycle of violence that has afflicted Manipur for the past three years, archbishop Linus of Imphal noted that the loss of innocent civilian lives and the destruction of social harmony undermine the fundamental principles of human dignity and the sanctity of life. He emphasized that every human being possesses inherent worth and that no circumstance can justify the deliberate targeting of civilians.
Calling for a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation, the archbishop urged all communities to reject violence and embrace dialogue as the only sustainable path forward. Drawing inspiration from the biblical teachings, “Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14) and “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), he emphasized the importance of forgiveness over retaliation, restorative justice over revenge, and healing over continued conflict.
Archbishop stressed that continuous inter-tribal and inter-community dialogue remains essential for rebuilding trust and achieving lasting peace. Traditional institutions and modern mediation mechanisms, he said, must work together to address grievances and foster understanding among all communities.
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He further highlighted the need for inclusive development, equitable opportunities, economic justice, and shared governance as critical foundations for long-term stability. Progressive disarmament, accelerated peace-building measures, and cross-border cooperation in economic and infrastructure development were identified as important steps toward restoring normalcy and prosperity.
In a vision for a peaceful future, the archbishop called upon all sections of Manipur society to work collectively toward an inclusive peace agreement that could become a historic turning point for the state. They expressed hope that future generations would look back on such an achievement as the “Manipur Agreement 2026″—a landmark commitment to peace, coexistence, and shared progress.
The NTHCC extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the six victims, affirming that it mourns alongside them and shares their pain. The Committee prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and for strength and comfort for the grieving families.
Reaffirming the resilience of the Naga people, the Committee stated that despite enduring immense suffering throughout history, the Naga community has consistently upheld the values of justice, peace, and human dignity. It reiterated that no community should be subjected to fear, violence, abduction, or persecution within its own homeland.
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