Nagas urge CM to deploy more forces

Guwahati: A delegation of Tangkhul Naga tribals from the Sinakeithei Village Authority in Ukhrul district met chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and urged him to deploy state police forces, including the Indian Reserve Battalion, in their village in view of the tense situation in the state.

Accompanied by Ukhrul constituency MLA Ram Muivah of the ruling Naga People's Front (NPF), the villagers also demanded adequate manpower for the Sinakeithei police station and the proper functioning of the existing Sub-Divisional Collector's office at Sinakeithei.

Stating that repeated attacks by armed men on Sinakeithei village in recent times had created an atmosphere of constant fear, insecurity, and distress, the Tangkhul Naga villagers urged the government to ensure proper security in the area. They also requested humanitarian relief and the supply of essential commodities.


The Sinakeithei Village Authority further appealed to the chief minister to provide security cover along the road connecting Mahadev and Sinakeithei village. They also demanded better healthcare facilities and overall development in the area.

The CM told the Tangkhul Naga villagers that disarming all forms of firearms across the state was an urgent necessity, adding that peace was the only solution for Manipur. Singh said that community leaders from all sections of society needed to convince the youth to shun violence and work towards peace in the state. He cited the example of late South African leader Nelson Mandela, who restored peace in his country despite racial violence.

Meanwhile, the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, the United Naga Council (UNC), urged the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) to disclose the whereabouts and safety of the remaining six male hostages, who are still missing. The UNC has imposed an economic blockade in Naga areas. KIM announced a 48-hour extension of the ongoing shutdown in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas which came into effect from midnight on May 19 after the earlier phase ended, the organisation said. This is the third such extension.