Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, November 15:
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body of the Tangkhul community, has issued a three-day ultimatum to the Central and Manipur governments, demanding the immediate removal of Kuki militants from Naga areas following the killing of four Tangkhul civilians in an ambush at New Haven along National Highway 102 on November 13.
In a declaration adopted after an emergency meeting of Tangkhul civil society organisations, the TNL condemned the broad-daylight killing of four civilians, identified as Kapangkhui RS and Haoleila RS of Shangshak Khullen village, and Tychicus Ngalung and Tanmila Keishing of Tashar village.
The killings, reportedly carried out just metres away from the deployment of Central security forces, have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the security arrangements and the ability of the authorities to protect civilians in the volatile area.
Describing the incident as a grave security failure, the TNL pointed out that New Haven had witnessed four such incidents, questioning why repeated attacks had continued despite the presence of security personnel.
Holding the Central and State governments responsible for their failure to ensure civilian security, the emergency meeting demanded that all Kuki militants operating in Naga areas be removed within three days.
The TNL also demanded that the investigation into the killings be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), seeking an impartial probe and accountability for those responsible.
In a strong expression of no confidence in the existing security arrangements, the organisation further demanded the immediate withdrawal of Central security forces deployed in the area, stating that it had completely lost faith in their ability to protect the local population.
The protest has taken an even more serious turn, with the bereaved families resolving not to claim the bodies of the four victims until their demands are addressed.
Warning of further escalation, the TNL said failure by the governments to comply with the ultimatum within three days would lead to an indefinite public agitation until justice was delivered.