Chanura Lamchinglel Kangleipak (CLK) has strongly condemned the killing of six Naga villagers whose bodies were recovered on June 10 after they were allegedly abducted by armed Kuki groups from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13.
In a statement, CLK said 18 people were reportedly abducted, of whom 12 were released while 6 others were later found dead. The organisation condemned the killings as a grave violation of human dignity and described the incident as part of a continuing pattern of violence allegedly perpetrated by armed Kuki groups. It also referred to a similar incident in Moreh in 2007 in which five Meitei civilians were reportedly killed after being abducted.
CLK questioned why security forces failed to launch effective rescue operations following the abduction and alleged that armed groups were allowed to operate freely. The organisation said the incident reflected failures in governance, law enforcement and security mechanisms in the state.
The organisation also drew parallels with the Jiribam killings, arguing that investigations often begin only after bodies are recovered rather than through timely intervention to rescue victims.
Referring to reports that cadres of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) signatory group KNF(P) were allegedly involved in the incident, as claimed by the United Naga Council (UNC), CLK renewed its demand for the abrogation of the SoO agreement with Kuki militant groups. It alleged that militant groups operating under the SoO arrangement have been involved in violence since May 3, 2023, and criticised the Government of India for not taking stronger action against those responsible.
CLK further criticised the Government of India for what it described as its lenient approach towards Kuki militant groups. The organisation pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen is the wife of Thangboi Kipgen, chairman of the KNF-P, a constituent group under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.