Imphal, August 14 (MExN): The United Naga Council (UNC) has declared an emergency total shutdown across all Naga districts and Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur from 11 pm on August 14 to 11 pm on August 15, condemning an alleged attack by KNF-P Kuki militants in which two Naga Village Guards were killed and two others injured.
In a statement issued on Friday, the UNC strongly condemned what it described as a “barbaric and calculated attack” carried out on the occasion of Naga Independence Day.
According to the UNC, the attack targeted four Naga Village Guards. It identified those killed as Wirillangbou Chawang, 35, who was allegedly shot dead on the spot, and Kawidinang Abonmal, 54, who allegedly succumbed to abdominal injuries while being taken to hospital.
Namthiulungbou Prinmal, 45, allegedly sustained a groin injury, while Maliangjinang Abonmal, 50, sustained injuries to his chest and arm, the UNC said.
The UNC described the incident as a direct challenge to the Naga people, their identity and their right to self-determination.
It also expressed concern over recurring incidents of arson, provocation and obstruction reported in the region in recent days, including an alleged August 11 raid on Tokpa Naga village in which at least 10 houses were reportedly set ablaze.
The council also referred to questions raised regarding the Kallenjang incident and alleged obstruction of security forces and goodwill missions.
Such acts were deliberate attempts to create conflict, confusion and fear among the people, the UNC alleged, while denouncing all acts of violence, arson and “purposeful provocation”.
The council called upon the competent authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into all the incidents, identify the perpetrators and take appropriate legal action without delay.
“In solidarity with the bereaved families and in vehement resentment against these heinous crimes,” the UNC declared the emergency total shutdown across all Naga districts and Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur from 11 pm on August 14 to 11 pm on August 15.
During the shutdown, all shops, business establishments, offices, institutions and non-essential activities will remain closed.
Emergency services, including medical and fire services and other essential services, have been exempted. The UNC appealed to the public to extend full cooperation and observe the shutdown in a disciplined and peaceful manner.
It also appealed to Naga citizens to remain calm, united and peaceful.
The council said the Naga people would not be misled by unverified narratives or sensational allegations and maintained that it had exercised “maximum restraint” but would not remain silent in the face of what it described as hostility and attacks on the community.
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