9 arrested in connection with killing of Naga woman in Manipur

Manipur authorities today confirmed that as many as 9 people have been arrested in connection with the killing of the Maring Naga woman in Imphal East on Saturday. The house of the main accused who had shot the woman dead was set ablaze.

On July 17, Naga Women’s Union strongly condemned the ‘cold-blooded murder’ of a Maring Naga woman at Sawombung in Imphal East district.

NWU President, Asha Wungnam stated that the Union has been traumatized many times due to the recent riots between Kukis and Meiteis. The concerned authorities or groups must ensure that justice is brought to the innocent souls. Adding fuel to the burning flame is never encouraged, she said.
The deceased Lucy Marem Maring of Narum (Beaulahram) Village, Chandel District was an active member of Maring Napuiya Yinglam (Maring Women’s Union) and a constituent unit of Naga Women’s Union.
The NWU statement mentioned that the victim was forcefully apprehended by the Meira Paibis, whom the NWU considered were their friends in their search for peace. Sources said that she was handed over to the Arambai Tenggol (a private militia ruling the valley now) and was mercilessly murdered despite identifying herself as Maring Naga tribe.

On the same day, a 12-hour bandh was called by the United Naga Council (UNC) in the four Naga dominated districts of Manipur — Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel, and Tamenglong. UNC, the apex Naga civil body, had sought justice for the killed woman within 48 hours.
The UNC had urged the state government to take swift action and apprehend those responsible for the heinous crime. The UNC had demanded a Judiciary Inquiry Committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the ‘cold-blooded killing’.

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