Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh holds talks with Naga groups amid hostage killings deadlock

Guwahati: In a move to resolve the stalemate following the killing of six Naga hostages, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday held talks with leaders of Naga civil society organisations (CSOs) in Senapati district.

Naga groups are yet to take bodies and bodies are in the mortuary besides the area is witnessing economic blockade.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, United Naga Council (UNC) President Ng. Lorho described the discussions as "fruitful and meaningful" but said they ended without a resolution. "We had a very fruitful and meaningful talk. Still, there is no conclusion. It is an inconclusive talk."


Lorho said that UNC would not take custody of the bodies until its demands were met. "The bodies are still in the mortuary. Until our four demands are fulfilled, we are not in a position to claim or take the dead bodies.”

The demands include the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, the arrest of all those allegedly involved in the abduction and killing of the six Naga civilians, the arrest of the chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, and the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office.

At least 50 people from the Kuki and Naga communities were held hostage by different armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following the violent incidents of May 13, during which three church leaders were killed and four others injured in Kangpokpi district.

Around 30 individuals from both communities were released on May 14 and May 15 following sustained efforts by the authorities, community leaders, and several civil society organisations.

On June 10, the remaining 14 Kuki villagers were released and handed over to the police at a police station in Senapati district by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Naga People's Organisation (NPO).

The following day (June 11), the bodies of six Naga hostages were recovered from a forested area near Kharam Vaiphei village, a predominantly Kuki-Zo tribal settlement under the Saitu-Gamphazol Sub-Division of Kangpokpi district.

Singh paid solemn tributes to two departed personnel of the 40th Battalion of the Assam Rifles by laying wreaths on their mortal remains during a wreath-laying ceremony held at Imphal Airport. The Chief Minister offered floral wreaths and observed a moment of silence in honour of Balwant Singh and Chandra Mohan Singh, acknowledging their dedicated service and sacrifice in the line of duty.

A guard of honour was accorded to the departed personnel as senior officials from the Army, Assam Rifles and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) joined in paying their last respects.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also paid his last respect to the two Assam Rifles personnel who were killed in an ambush on 6th of this month in Ukhrul District.

Khemchand Singh in Senapati said that the weather in Mao, Senapati district, is suitable not only for potato cultivation but also for growing flowers and other horticultural produce. He further assured that the Government will hold discussions with all stakeholders to address the problems and grievances faced by the people of the Mao area.

Singh announced the formal approval for the construction of the Rikhruri Multipurpose Dam. The dam will provide drinking water to 27 nearby villages.