Imphal, April 19: The United Naga Council (UNC) has announced a three-day shutdown across all Naga areas under the jurisdiction of the UNC from the midnight of April 20 to midnight of April 23, to mourn the death of the two Naga civilians killed allegedly by Kuki militants on Saturday.
“Owing to the unfolding situation, outrageous aggression over our homeland and cold blooded killing of Naga civilians, the United Naga Council convened a joint emergency meeting with the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union (NWU) and India district apex bodies on Sunday at the UNC office in Senapati, according to a statement from the UNC.
The meeting condemned the incident of waylaying and killing of Naga civilians at TM Kasom village along NH-202 (Imphal-Ukhrul road).
The deceased are Chinaoshang Shokwungnao (45) of Tashar village, and Yaruingam Vashum (42) of Kharasom village, Ukhrul district.
“This premeditated attack on unarmed civilians traveling on a public highway is not merely a crime against individuals but a deliberate assault on the dignity, safety and territorial integrity of the Naga people”, the UNC said.
The Naga meeting viewed the incident as a direct challenge to the Naga people and a grave disruption of their collective security and right to peaceful existence.
Naga leaders condoled the deaths by observing one minute silence and prayer led by Thamdok Francis, president of the Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO). The meeting also expressed concern and questioned the seriousness and sincerity of the state government in handling the security measures especially in the “Naga areas”.
“Ironically, the tragic incident occurred immediately after the visit of the Chief Minister of Manipur to Ukhrul district on the previous day. They are liable to hold moral responsibility of the incident”, the UNC asserted.
The UNC also announced that a candlelight vigil will be observed on April 23 from 6:30 pm in “all Naga district headquarters” and at Imphal, to honour the “departed souls and to reaffirm our commitment to peace with dignity”.
On the suspension of ties, the UNC said during the three days of mourning, the Nagas in the State of Manipur shall suspend all social and economic ties with the Kukis in accordance with Naga customary practice.
The UNC then appealed to all Naga citizens, organizations and institutions to cooperate fully in observing the resolutions.
