The Naga National Council and the Federal Government of Nagaland (NNC/FGN) have strongly condemned the recent incidents of violence reported from parts of Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts in Manipur, warning that continued attacks on Nagas would have serious consequences and would not go unanswered.
In a statement issued through its Ministry of Rali Wali Affairs under the leadership of Ino Zhopra Vero, the organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as escalating violence in areas it referred to as “Southern Nagaland.” According to the statement, the recent incidents have caused widespread anguish and insecurity among the Naga population living in the region.
The NNC/FGN referred to several reported incidents of violence, including killings in Litan-Sareikhong, Mullam and Shongphal villages. The organisation also highlighted the killing of three Thadou Baptist religious leaders — Rev. Vunthang Sitlou, Rev. Kaigoullun and Pastor Paogoulen — in Kangpokpi district on May 13, describing the incident as deeply disturbing and reflective of the deteriorating law and order situation in the conflict-affected areas.
The statement further cited the alleged abduction and killing of six Naga individuals identified as Pr. Kenpibou, Rev. Manu, Phenrongwibou, Phenrilungbou, Dilip and Kaliwangbou. The organisation claimed that such incidents have intensified fear, anger and uncertainty among local communities already affected by months of ethnic tension and armed conflict.
Describing the reported incidents as “morally indefensible and politically reckless,” the NNC/FGN stated that no political disagreement, territorial dispute or ideological conflict could justify bloodshed, abduction or destruction of villages. The organisation maintained that targeting civilians and community leaders would only deepen divisions and further destabilise the fragile situation in the hill districts of Manipur.
At the same time, the NNC/FGN appealed to all armed groups operating in the region to immediately cease hostilities and avoid actions that could trigger another cycle of violence. The organisation also urged both Naga and Kuki communities to refrain from retaliatory attacks, warning that revenge-driven violence would severely damage any remaining prospects for peace, dialogue and reconciliation between the communities.
While calling for restraint, the organisation reiterated that it would continue to defend what it described as the historical and ancestral rights of the Naga people. The statement asserted that any politically motivated attack on a Naga individual would be viewed as an attack on the entire Naga nation.
The latest statement comes amid continuing tensions in parts of Manipur where sporadic violence, allegations of armed attacks and ethnic hostilities have repeatedly disrupted normal life over the past several months. Security concerns remain high in several hill areas, with both community organisations and armed groups continuing to issue warnings and counter-statements over the deteriorating ground situation.
