A 24-hour totally shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) came into effect across Naga-inhabited areas on Thursday, following the recovery of the bodies of six Naga civilians who were abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district.

In a statement, the UNC expressed shock and anguish over the condition in which the bodies were recovered and strongly condemned the killings, describing them as a grave violation of human rights and human dignity. The council also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families and said the incident had caused deep pain and insecurity among the Naga community.

The shutdown, which began at 6 a.m. on June 11 and will continue until 6 a.m. on June 12, has been called as a peaceful protest to demand justice for the victims. The UNC appealed to the public to observe the shutdown peacefully and stand in solidarity with the affected families.

The council further announced that the mortal remains of the six victims would not be received until its charter of demands is addressed by the Government of Manipur and the Government of India.

Among its key demands are the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, the arrest and prosecution of those allegedly involved in the abduction and killing of the Naga civilians, declaration of the Kuki National Front–President group (KNF-P) as a terrorist organisation, and the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office.

The UNC stated that the tragedy has shaken public confidence in the government’s ability to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians and called for immediate action to deliver justice to the victims and their families.