UNC Urges UN to Probe Alleged Rights Violations Against Indigenous Nagas

July 24: The United Naga Council (UNC) has submitted an urgent communication to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) and several UN Special Procedures mandate holders, alleging serious human rights violations against Indigenous Naga communities in Manipur and calling for immediate international intervention.

The communication, signed by UNC President Ng. Lorho and General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, raises concerns over what it describes as “structural complicity” in cross-border violence, alleged plans for unilateral border adjustments, and the killings of Indigenous Naga civilians along the Indo-Myanmar frontier.

According to the UNC, the submission seeks international oversight into what it characterizes as an escalating conflict affecting Indigenous communities in the border areas. The organization alleges that domestic institutions have failed to adequately address the situation and that Indigenous rights protected under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) have been violated.

Allegations Over Border Adjustment

A central issue raised in the communication concerns an alleged plan by the Government of India to transfer approximately 1.4 square miles of land in Chandel district to Myanmar as part of an international boundary settlement.

Citing what it describes as leaked government documents dated May 26, 2026, the UNC claims the proposed boundary adjustment is linked to an expedited border-fencing project and would proceed without obtaining the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the Indigenous communities traditionally owning the land.

The organization further alleges that several border sectors, including Choro Khunou, Molcham, and Moreh, have been designated as unresolved areas to facilitate future territorial adjustments.

Leilon Killings Highlighted

The communication also draws attention to the May 13, 2026 Leilon incident, in which the UNC alleges that 18 Indigenous Naga civilians, including women, a child and church leaders, were abducted by armed militants.

According to the submission, while twelve women and the infant were later released, six men remained in captivity. Their bodies were reportedly recovered on June 10, and the UNC alleges they had been subjected to torture and dismemberment before being killed.

The six victims were identified as:

• Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai
• Pastor Kenpibou Chawang
• Phenrongwibou Thiumai
• Phenrilungbou Chawang
• Dilip Thiumai
• Kaliwangbou Abonmai

The communication attributes responsibility for the abduction to the Kuki National Front–President (KNF-P), which it identifies as a constituent group of the United People’s Front (UPF) operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.

Cross-Border Violence

The UNC further alleges that armed cadres of the Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) carried out coordinated attacks on Indigenous Naga villages along the Indo-Myanmar border on May 7 and July 1, 2026.

The organization claims villages including Z Choro, Namlee-Wanglee, Kaka, Huimin Thana, and Kherongram were targeted during the attacks, resulting in the destruction of houses and displacement of civilians.

It also alleges that sophisticated weapons, including drones, rocket-propelled grenades and 40 mm weapons, were used during the assaults.

The UNC further claims that security forces stationed nearby failed to intervene despite the proximity of the attacks.

Allegations of Institutional Complicity

The submission also questions the effectiveness of domestic legal remedies.

The UNC alleges that the KNF-P is led by ST Thangboi Kipgen, whom it identifies as the spouse of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, creating what it describes as a conflict of interest in ensuring an impartial investigation.

It also refers to a First Information Report (FIR) that allegedly names a serving police officer as having assisted in handing over abducted civilians to militants.

Appeal to the United Nations

In its communication, the UNC has requested the United Nations to:

• Issue an urgent appeal to the Government of India to halt any proposed border adjustment until the consent of Indigenous communities is obtained.
• Appoint an independent international fact-finding mission to investigate the alleged link between border infrastructure projects, cross-border violence and the killings.
• Ensure that any future border-related decisions respect the 2015 Indo-Naga Framework Agreement.
• Call for an independent, impartial and effective investigation into the Leilon abduction and killings, with accountability for all those found responsible.

The Government of India has not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the UNC communication. The claims presented in the submission represent the position of the United Naga Council and have not been independently verified.