Special Correspondent
Ukhrul/Senapati, May 4:
The United Naga Council (UNC) has issued a scathing condemnation of the alleged cold-blooded killing of three NSCN cadres by combined Indian security forces and Assam Police in the forest area between New Kubin and Herakilua villages, North Cachar Hills, Assam, on April 29, 2025. The incident, which UNC describes as a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India (GoI) and the NSCN, has sent shockwaves across Naga communities.
The slain cadres—Mr. Sanga Samba of Pangmi Region (Arunachal Pradesh), Mr. Gailuaning Zeme of Tamenglong (Manipur), and Mr. Haijeulungbe Daime of NC Hills (Assam)—were reportedly gunned down despite the ongoing ceasefire accord signed in 1997, further solidified by the historic Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015.
Expressing grief and outrage, the UNC extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, hailing the three as “Naga combatants who gave their all in defending our land and identity.” It described the killings as a cruel and deliberate provocation that undermines the fragile trust built over decades of peace negotiations.
The UNC statement lambasted the Government of India for continuing what it termed a “draconian and militaristic approach” across Naga territories, citing a pattern of killings, arbitrary arrests, and harassment despite the peace process in place. “It is heartbreaking and unfortunate to see the world’s largest democracy championing in flexing muscle and suppressing the oppressed for ages,” the statement read.
Adding to its condemnation, the UNC also decried the recent detention and denial of travel of Mr. Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), who was prevented from flying to Nepal at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on April 7. The incident mirrors a similar occurrence in 2020, where Krome was stopped in Kolkata while traveling to Bangkok for another human rights meeting.
UNC asserts that such actions reflect India’s deliberate strategy to muzzle indigenous voices and silence human rights advocacy at the global stage. “By denial of travel to a human rights activist, India has loudly showcased to the world its insincerity and cowardice in dealing with the Indo-Naga political issue,” the statement charged.
The UNC urged both the GoI and NSCN to honour the bilateral ceasefire, maintain mutual respect, and pursue a sincere political dialogue. “Let peace, not provocation, guide the way forward,” the Council emphasized, reiterating the need to uphold the spirit of the Framework Agreement and bring a just settlement to the protracted Indo-Naga conflict.
