Manipur Violence Claims Nine Lives; Civil Society Demands Justice
Fresh Violence in Manipur
Family members paying their last respects to their loved ones killed in fresh Manipur violence (Photo: AT)
Imphal, Oct 12: In the wake of renewed violence in Manipur, which has resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, a Naga civil society group has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the return of the severed head of 52-year-old Ajinbou R, who was reportedly killed in an incident in Kangpokpi district.
The Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) is insisting that Ajinbou’s head be returned to his family for a proper burial.
His headless body was taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal for a post-mortem examination on Sunday night.
In a statement released on Sunday, the council declared that the post-mortem would not proceed until the missing head is returned to the family.
“We will not permit state authorities to further desecrate the remains while militants treat his head as a trophy,” the JTCM asserted.
The council has held both the state and Central governments accountable for the resurgence of violence, labeling the incident as “an affront to humanity” and issuing a “non-negotiable 48-hour ultimatum” to locate and return the severed head.
Ajinbou was among those identified as victims following a series of killings in the hill districts of Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi over the weekend, amidst escalating confrontations between Naga and Kuki armed factions.
Additionally, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), has accused the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B), which operates under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, and the Kuki Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEZ) of involvement in these incidents.
They also mentioned allegations against the KNF-P, KNF-N, and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) concerning attacks on Makui and Tapon villages. These claims have not been independently verified and are under investigation.
According to the organizations, four Naga village guards were killed during assaults on Makui and Tapon villages in Kangpokpi district on October 10. ANSAM identified the victims as Machungamang Daimai, Dibambou Ringkangmai, Ajinbou R, and Ramningpou Robert Gangmei. The JTCM confirmed Ramningpou Gangmei as the last victim.
In a separate incident, two other Naga civilians, Ngachanso Ningshen and Leishisan Leishadang, were reportedly killed in an attack at Ningchou in Kamjong district.
The organizations also reported injuries and the destruction of homes and property. The United Naga Council (UNC) has expressed concerns over the killings at Pilong and has called for enhanced security in vulnerable Naga regions.
The names and details in the various statements differ and need to be reconciled with official records. Investigations into the alleged perpetrators are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh has condemned the killings and instructed relevant authorities to take prompt and effective measures to restore peace and security for all citizens.