Imphal: Proposed talks between the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Manipur and central governments remain pending, with no fresh date or venue confirmed for the negotiations.
The deadlock continues amid disagreements over the UNC’s charter of demands, an ongoing economic blockade affecting Kuki-inhabited areas and the continued custody of the mortal remains of six Naga men at a hospital morgue in Imphal.
Speaking to reporters, UNC president NG Lorho said the Naga apex body had not received any fresh communication or schedule from the government regarding the resumption of talks.
The previous proposed meeting was scheduled for August 3 in Imphal, but the UNC declined to attend on that date. The council said the date coincided with the anniversary of the 2015 Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), which it has observed annually since 2016.
The UNC also cited security concerns and the prevailing situation in Manipur while requesting that future negotiations be held at the Senapati district headquarters instead of Imphal.
The proposed dialogue follows a charter of demands submitted by the UNC after the alleged abduction and killing of six Naga civilians. Their remains have been kept at the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal since June 10.
The UNC has maintained that it will not receive or cremate the bodies until the government addresses its demands and justice is delivered to the victims’ families.
The council has accused villagers of Leilon Vaiphei and cadres of the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) of involvement in the abduction and killings. According to the UNC, two pastors were among those allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026. It has also linked the case to the killing of Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek on the same day.
UNC’s key demands
The UNC has placed several demands before the authorities, including:
- Termination of the SoO agreement: The council has sought an immediate end to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.
- Arrest of alleged perpetrators: It has demanded the arrest and prosecution of KNF-P cadres allegedly involved in the May 13 abductions and subsequent killings, along with Leilon Vaiphei village chief Lalboi Vaiphei and other alleged accomplices.
- Action against KNF-P: The UNC has called for the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) to be formally declared an unlawful and terrorist organisation.
- Removal of Nemcha Kipgen: The council has demanded the removal of Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister, alleging that her marital association with KNF-P president Semtinthang, also known as Thangboi Kipgen, raises concerns over her position. The UNC has alleged that Semtinthang was involved in the killings, a claim that remains an allegation requiring verification.
The UNC has argued that retaining Kipgen in office would undermine public confidence and raise concerns over the state’s internal security.
With no fresh schedule announced, the proposed government-UNC dialogue remains unresolved, while the economic blockade and the dispute over the victims’ remains continue to add pressure to the fragile situation in Manipur.