Manipur tribal body rejects CM’s proposed visit to families of slain Naga men
Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur opposes the Chief Minister’s proposed visit to displaced families at Makhan Relief Camp, citing unresolved
The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (WC-JTCM) has opposed Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s proposed visit to the families of six slain Naga men and other displaced families staying at the Makhan Relief Camp in Kangpokpi district.
In a statement, the council said it did not approve the visit, pointing to what it described as lack of action in the case. The WC-JTCM alleged that the six Liangmai Naga men were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, and that their dismembered remains were recovered on June 10.
Claims of incomplete investigation and unclaimed remains
The council said the case has not reached a stage that allows it to support any official visit. It stated that the killing is now 84 days old and that the mortal remains are still unclaimed at the JNIMS morgue in Imphal.
The WC-JTCM also alleged that no arrests have been made so far and that the investigation remains incomplete. It said the families have not received justice, and that this is the reason the council is asking the government to avoid any programme or public relations exercise in Naga areas while the matter is unresolved.
“Justice first” and call for abstention
According to the statement, the council wants the government to deliver justice before carrying out any visits, whether presented as humanitarian or political. It also used the phrase justice first to underline its position.
The WC-JTCM appealed to Naga people, civil society organisations, and community leaders to abstain from participating in the proposed visit in any capacity. It said people should also avoid official engagements that, in its view, bypass the collective will of the Naga people.
Further, it urged Naga leaders, village authorities, and civil society groups to refrain from meeting government officials for development projects, relief assistance, or political dialogue until the interests of all Naga communities are consulted and represented. It added that no individual or group should claim to speak for the Nagas without a collective mandate.
