The Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee (NTHCC) has expressed “deepest anguish, outrage, and unequivocal condemnation” over the killing of six Naga individuals in Manipur, stating that the recovery of their remains has “confirmed the worst fears of the Naga people.”
In a statement issued on June 11, NTHCC said the incident exposed “a horrific, barbaric, and utterly inhuman crime that has shocked the conscience of all humanity.”
“The manner in which these innocent lives were taken reflects a level of cruelty that is beyond comprehension and stands as one of the most gruesome and satanic acts witnessed in recent times,” the committee stated, adding that the crime was “not only an attack on the victims and their families but a direct assault on the dignity, security, and collective existence of the Naga people.”
The committee said reports indicate that the victims were abducted by armed Kuki elements before being killed.
According to the NTHCC, “the deliberate taking of innocent lives through such senseless violence is unacceptable under any circumstance and deserves the strongest possible condemnation from all right-thinking people and organizations.”
The committee further stated that those responsible for the killings had demonstrated “utter disregard for human life, peace, justice, and the rule of law.”
The NTHCC also placed on record its appreciation to the United Naga Council (UNC) for what it described as its “timely and commendable humanitarian intervention” in facilitating the safe release of 14 Kuki hostages.
“The Committee acknowledges the efforts of the UNC and all those who worked tirelessly under difficult circumstances to secure their freedom and prevent further loss of innocent lives,” it said.
It added that such actions reflected “the enduring values of humanity, compassion, and peaceful coexistence that must prevail even amidst conflict and tension.”
While welcoming the release of the hostages, the NTHCC stressed that it “does not diminish the gravity of the heinous murder of the six innocent Naga victims” and reiterated that “the perpetrators of these barbaric killings must be brought to justice without delay.”
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The committee warned that such acts of violence threaten peace and coexistence in the region.
“At a time when communities across the region are yearning for peace, reconciliation, and coexistence, such acts of brutality only deepen mistrust, sow hatred, and threaten the fragile social fabric of our land,” it stated.
The NTHCC demanded that the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and all concerned law enforcement agencies act with “utmost urgency” to ensure that every individual involved in the crime, including “the perpetrators, conspirators, and those who aided or abetted the abduction and subsequent killings,” is identified, arrested, prosecuted and punished according to law.
“Failure to ensure swift justice will only embolden further acts of violence and undermine public confidence in the ability of the State to protect innocent citizens,” it stated.
The committee also called upon civil society organisations, tribal bodies and human rights institutions to “unequivocally condemn this barbarity and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families.”
Extending condolences to the families of the victims, the NTHCC said, “We mourn with them and share their pain,” while reiterating that the Naga people stand united in demanding justice for the victims, accountability for those responsible and measures to ensure that such incidents are never repeated.
