The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has demanded an independent and credible investigation into the killing of four Naga civilians in an ambush along the Imphal-Tamei road in Kangpokpi district, calling for all perpetrators and those responsible to be identified and prosecuted irrespective of ethnicity or organisational affiliation.
In a statement issued by MIYC president Mk. Saroj Khan, the organisation also called for an investigation into whether individuals associated with organisations operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework were involved in the killings, stressing that ceasefire arrangements must not shield armed groups from criminal accountability.
MIYC further urged the governments of India and Manipur to ensure protection of vulnerable civilian communities without discrimination and, where domestic investigations fail to inspire public confidence, allow appropriate independent human-rights and humanitarian scrutiny.
The organisation called for a broader investigation into the pattern of identity-based civilian killings in Manipur to determine whether the available evidence points to war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide or other serious violations of international law. It, however, clarified that genocide is a specific legal crime requiring proof of intent to destroy a protected group, and that such a determination must be based on evidence and competent legal investigation.
MIYC also referred to commitments undertaken by the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) under Geneva Call Deeds of Commitment and said the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law must be upheld under all circumstances.
The organisation maintained that peace cannot be built on selective justice or collective blame and urged all armed groups, including those under the SoO framework, to respect international humanitarian law and immediately cease attacks on civilians.
The demand came as Naga leaders at Senapati also called for justice for the four civilians killed in the ambush. Speaking after a condolence service, Naga People’s Front Manipur State Unit president and MLA Awangbow Newmai alleged the involvement of the Kuki National Front (President) in the killings and called for the SoO agreement to be abrogated and those responsible punished.
