Violence in Manipur claims first Naga victim, sparks community outrage
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Imphal: The ongoing violence in Manipur claimed its first victim from the Naga community. The 57-year-old Marem, a mentally challenged woman belonging to the Maring Naga tribe, was found murdered in the Keibi Heikak Mapal village on Saturday.
Her family, residing in Langol Games Village, Imphal West district, discovered her disappearance after receiving a distressing phone call from Marem's native village.
The Imphal East police apprehended nine individuals from the Meitei community, including five women, in connection with the incident. In a rare press meet on Sunday, the police shared details of the arrests, shedding light on their response to the heinous crime that has plagued the region since May.
The repercussions of Marem's tragic fate reverberated across Manipur, particularly in the Naga-dominated districts. Responding to the incident, the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Nagas, called for a 12-hour shutdown in solidarity, bringing life to a standstill in the affected regions.
Accusations and condemnations emerged from various quarters. The UNC pointed fingers at Meira Paibis, a Meitei women's activist group, alleging their involvement in apprehending Marem and handing her over to members of the Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol.
In a surprising move, Arambai Tenggol, previously thought to be disbanded, distanced itself from the killing, issuing a statement condemning the act and reiterating its commitment to protecting the future of all indigenous people in Manipur.
The incident further strained the already complex relations between the Meiteis, Nagas, and Kuki-Zomis, the three major ethnic groups in Manipur. While the Nagas have largely remained neutral, expressing concern for the violence's impact on their own communities, Marem's killing drew strong reactions from Naga bodies. Naga People's Front MLA Losii Dikho demanded answers and swift action, reflecting the community's outcry.
Meanwhile, residents of the Keibi area took matters into their own hands, demolishing four houses belonging to those allegedly involved in Marem's murder and declaring their excommunication. Anil Huidrom, the president of a local club in Keibi, emphasized the community's distress and affirmed their commitment to nonviolence and the coexistence of all indigenous groups in Manipur.