Student body presses for peace, end to cycle of violence
Shillong, June 11: The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation into the killing of six Naga men in Manipur, warning that failure to act would further embolden those perpetrating violence with impunity.
Expressing condemnation over the murder of six men from Konsakhul Naga Village whose dismembered remains were recovered on June 10, nearly a month after they were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei Village on May 13, the organisation said every individual involved, irrespective of affiliation or status, must be identified, arrested, prosecuted and brought to justice without delay.
“Deeply horrified” by reports that the victims were tortured before being brutally killed and mutilated, NESO stated that the brutality reflected a level of inhumanity beyond comprehension and that the incident had shocked the conscience of the entire region, serving as a reminder of the deteriorating situation in Manipur.
Extending condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Konsakhul Naga Village, NESO said it stood in solidarity with those robbed of their loved ones in what it termed a cruel and senseless act.
NESO noted that for the past three years it has consistently advocated for peace, dialogue and reconciliation in Manipur and repeatedly appealed to all stakeholders and authorities to protect civilians and take concrete steps to end the cycle of violence.
Despite these appeals and the prolonged deployment of thousands of central security forces personnel, the organisation said the situation continues to worsen.
Questioning the Government of India, NESO asked how it was possible that after more than three years of conflict and massive deployment of security forces, not a single accused in the countless killings, abductions, arson and atrocities has been effectively convicted and held accountable.
It also expressed grave concern over allegations of partisan conduct by the central forces, stating that any act of complicity, negligence, collusion or bias by security forces entrusted with maintaining peace and protecting civilians constitutes a serious betrayal of public trust and must invite legal and disciplinary action.
The organisation reiterated that lasting peace in Manipur can only be achieved through justice, accountability and equal protection of all communities.
