Liangmai Forum Condemns 'Inhumane and Brutal' action of NSCN IM, Demands Justice

The Liangmai Naga Indigenous Forum (LNIF) has strongly condemned the 'inhumane and brutal actions' of armed GPRN (NSCN-IM) cadres under the command of YK Achan, EO. (Maram Thangal Region) against the Liangmai women at Marenmai Village under Kangpokpi District- Manipur, on the evening of January 12.

In a release issued on Monday, the forum demands immediate action to ensure justice for the victims and that the perpetrators must be booked and subjected to court-martial punishment.

The forum further demanded that the GPRN must present their stance on the incident and take responsibility before the situation escalates further.

Failing to adhere to these demands, any further consequences will rest solely on the GPRN, says LNIF.

In regards to the incident, the forum alleged that at approximately 7 pm, more than 20 armed individuals stormed into the village and targeted six innocent women and two men while they were having dinner in their homes. Thereafter, the NSCN IM cadres demanded that the women leave their house immediately.

When the women asserted that they would comply only if directed by the Liangmai Naga Council and requested time to contact Liangmai Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the armed individuals responded with threats and violence, the release stated.

The cadres claimed that their government would not tolerate anyone standing in their way and they then proceeded to thrash the women with cane sticks, kick them with heavy boots, and strike them with gun butts, leaving them bleeding and humiliated, it added.

LNIF claimed that the attack also involved tearing the women's clothes and attempts at sexual assault, amounting to a heinous violation of their dignity and rights. The forum expresses its deepest outrage over such acts of violence, which degrade the sanctity of human rights and the principles of coexistence.

"Whatever the underlying issues may be, targeting innocent women and men in their own homes is an act of cowardice that will never be accepted by our society", LNIF added.

The LNIF firmly stands for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among the Nagas but will not tolerate any force that undermines the rights and dignity of the Liangmai people," it added.