The Joint Tribe Council (JTC), Manipur today announced an indefinite emergency shutdown of all National Highways, railway projects and national infrastructure works passing through the territories of the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities, accusing central security forces of “betraying” the Naga people and failing to deliver justice for the killing of six Naga civilians in May.
In a strongly worded statement, the Working Committee of the JTC alleged that six Naga civilians, including two pastors, were abducted and killed on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village. The council claimed that despite the passage of more than two months, those responsible for the killings remain at large, alleging that the authorities have failed to take meaningful action.
The organisation also condemned an operation carried out early today morning at Bitiang village, alleging that personnel of the CoBRA force, acting in collaboration with members of the Zeliangrong United Front (J), launched an attack on Naga Volunteer Groups (NVG). The council described the operation as an “unprovoked assault” on volunteers it claimed were protecting their villages and ancestral lands.
Alleging that the security forces had targeted Naga civilians instead of bringing those responsible for the killings to justice, the JTC accused the authorities of acting against the interests of the Naga community and demanded an immediate halt to security operations in Naga villages.
The council announced that the shutdown would remain in force until the Government of India arrests those responsible for the killing of the six civilians, halts what it described as hostile operations in Naga areas and takes concrete steps to restore justice. It, however, said essential services, including medical facilities, schools and colleges, PHED, electricity and telecommunication services, would remain exempted from the shutdown.