SENAPATI: A 12-member delegation of the Poumai Naga Naotumai Me (PNNM) on Thursday visited Makhan village to express solidarity with the families of the six Naga civilians killed in the May 13 incident and with the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who continue to take shelter in the village. The delegation also extended financial assistance to the six victim families as well as the IDPs as a gesture of solidarity and support.
The visit comes 85 days after the killing of the six civilians, with the families saying they are still waiting for justice.
During an interaction with the delegation, villagers spoke about the difficulties of accommodating nearly 200 displaced persons. They said that while relief materials have been received from various organisations and agencies, the assistance is not enough to meet the long-term needs of those staying in the village.
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The villagers also pointed out that the State Government has yet to recognise Makhan as an official relief camp. As a result, they said support remains inadequate and warned that food supplies could run short in the coming weeks if additional assistance is not provided.
The bereaved families once again appealed to the authorities to ensure that justice is delivered, saying their demand has remained unchanged since the day of the incident.
The visit also comes ahead of chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s proposed visit to Makhan on August 8, which has been opposed by Working Committee, Joint Tribes Council Manipur (WC-JTCM). The committee has maintained that justice for the six slain civilians should come before any official visit by the Chief Minister.
Speaking to reporters, Makhan Village chairman said the village had never invited the chief minister to visit.
“We never asked the chief minister to come to Makhan. What we have been asking from the very beginning is justice for the six victims. Even after 85 days, justice has not been delivered,” he said.
The chairman clarified that he has no personal objection to the chief minister visiting the village. However, he said the village would stand by the decision of the WC-JTCM.
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“The WC-JTCM is the apex body leading our demand for justice. Whatever decision it takes, we will respect and follow. Since the committee has opposed the chief minister’s visit and wants justice to come first, we stand by that decision,” he added.
The Poumai women conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families and encouraged the displaced families to remain strong, assuring them of their continued support.
