UNC, Manipur govt talks date remains uncertain

IMPHAL, AUG 9 ( AGENCIES): There is no clarity yet on the date for proposed talks between the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Manipur government over issues arising from the killing of six Naga men.
According to Newmai News Network, the government had invited the UNC for talks in Imphal on August 3. However, the UNC sought a change of date as August 3 coincided with the anniversary of the Framework Agreement between the Government of India and NSCN (I-M), which it has been commemorating since 2016.
UNC also cited difficulties for Naga leaders travelling to Imphal amid the prevailing situation and requested that the talks be held at Senapati district headquarters.
UNC president NG Lorho on Sunday said that the organisation was yet to receive any further information from the government regarding the proposed talks. The talks are expected to centre on the UNC’s charters of demand submitted following the killing of the six Nagas. Their mortal remains have remained at the mortuary of Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal, since June 10.
UNC said it would not receive the remains until its demands are addressed and justice is done for the families of the deceased by the governments of Manipur and India.
UNC has accused Leilon Vaiphei villagers and Kuki National Front (KNF-P) militants of abducting and killing the six Nagas.
Its demands include abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups; immediate arrest and prosecution of KNF-P personnel allegedly involved in the abduction of Naga civilians, including two pastors, at Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026, and the subsequent killing of six of them; and prosecution of those involved in the killing of Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek on the same day.
It has also demanded the arrest and prosecution of Lalboi Vaiphei, chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, and others allegedly involved in the abduction.
UNC has further demanded that KNF-P be declared a terrorist organisation and that Nemcha Kipgen be removed as Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur. It alleged that she was complicit in the killings, citing her relationship with Semtinthang alias Thangboi Kipgen, president of KNF-P. The UNC said her removal would restore public trust in the state government, adding that her continuation in office would compromise internal security concerns of the state and the nation.