Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, June 14:
The Western Command of the Naga Village Guard (NVG) has strongly condemned what it described as a continuing wave of violence against Naga civilians, alleging the involvement of Kuki militant groups and calling for the immediate revocation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with outfits accused of targeting innocent people.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, the NVG expressed outrage over the recent killing of six Naga individuals, alleging that the victims were brutally murdered and their bodies mutilated. The organisation said the incident had plunged the Naga community into grief and anger, particularly as two of the deceased were reportedly pastors.
The statement further alleged that cadres of the Kuki National Front (Progressive) [KNF(P)] and its alleged proxy group, KNF (Nehlun), have continued attacks against Naga civilians despite widespread condemnation of the killings. According to the NVG, a fresh attack was launched on Langka Naga Village in Kangpokpi district at around 8:40 am on Saturday, during which armed assailants allegedly used heavy weapons and explosives.
The organisation expressed concern that KNF(P), a signatory to the SoO agreement with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur, continues to enjoy the benefits of the ceasefire arrangement while allegedly being linked to acts of violence. It urged the authorities to take immediate action against any group found involved in attacks on civilians.
The NVG also claimed that intelligence inputs indicated potential threats to several Naga villages along the IT Road and alleged that the attacks were part of a larger and systematic campaign against Naga settlements.
Calling upon both the State and Central Governments to ensure the safety of citizens, the organisation warned that failure to act decisively would further erode public confidence in the administration. It demanded accountability from the authorities and reiterated its commitment to protecting Naga villages and communities from future attacks.
The statement concluded with a call for justice for the victims and stronger security measures to prevent further violence in the region.
