Imphal, March 05, 2010: Four bodies, the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NUWM) and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), South Sector has expressed strong condemnations to the "persistent" killing of innocent villagers by armed militant groups stating that it has threatened the peaceful co-existence and social harmony in the region.

Recalling the recent killing of AS Phunmi (35) son of Khathing of Kharang village under Yairipok police station by unidentified persons suspected to be underground cadres on February 27 A joint statement of the four bodies signed by presidents of UNC, ANSAM, general secretary of NUWM and convenor of NPMHR(S) today also stated that earlier on November 28, 2009 also another villager of Mailiang village Ringphammi (36) son of AS John had been murdered after abduction from Tarang village under Kasom Khullen sub-division on November 28, 2009. On September 23, 2009 also two innocent villagers, S Venture and NK Joyson of Happyland village were also brutally murdered allegedly by the activists of the KCP-MC, the statement added.

"The Acts itself is also clear violation of international humanitarian laws like the Geneva Convention and its protocols which are applied to all armed conflict, regardless of the legitimacy of the use of force or its cause," the statement observed adding that scores of reported and unreported brutality and killing of innocent civilian has reached an alarming stage.

All such killing should be condemned by all well-meaning people for the simple fact that if the egregious acts are not curbed immediately, anyone could be a victim at anywhere, the statement protesting against the unjustified killing and calling upon the minded people to put an end observed.

The four bodies also demanded urgently address by the concerned agencies/groups and the culpable cadres should face the wrath of justice timely as such killing action will not be tolerate in any civilized community.