IMPHAL |  A Naga civil society organisation has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Centre and the Manipur government to recover and return the severed head of a 52-year-old man allegedly killed in a suspected militant attack in Kangpokpi district, warning of stringent action if its demand is not met.

The Joint Tribes Council (JTC-Manipur) has also suspended the post-mortem examination of Ajinbou R, whose headless body was brought to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal on Sunday night. Ajinbou was allegedly killed during an attack on Makui Ashang village in Kangpokpi district on Saturday. A video purportedly showing his severed head among armed men wearing camouflage went viral on social media the same day.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the council said the post-mortem would not be allowed until the missing head was recovered and handed over to the family for a dignified burial. The organisation accused the authorities of failing to prevent the violence and held both the state and Central governments responsible for the deteriorating situation.

Describing the incident as an affront to humanity, the council demanded the immediate recovery of the missing remains and warned that it would take the “most stringent measures” if the 48-hour deadline expired without action. The allegations surrounding the killing and the identities of those responsible have not been independently established.

Fresh violence claims at least nine lives

The ultimatum comes amid a fresh outbreak of violence in Manipur, where at least nine people were killed in separate firing incidents across Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts on Friday and Saturday.

The latest round of violence reportedly began after a 22-year-old mother of five was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Chassad village in Kamjong district on Friday night. The killing triggered exchanges of fire between armed Kuki and Naga groups, with the clashes continuing into Saturday morning.

The incidents have heightened tensions between the two communities, raising fresh concerns over security and the prospects of restoring peace in the hill districts. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has condemned the killings and directed the authorities concerned to take immediate and effective steps to control the situation, restore peace and ensure the safety of all citizens.

More than 50 killed since February

The latest incidents come against the backdrop of continuing violence between Kuki and Naga groups since February this year. More than 50 people have reportedly been killed and dozens of houses torched during the clashes.