IMPHAL, May 22: Myanmar’s civilian National Unity Government (NUG) has called on India to launch a thorough investigation into the deaths of 10 members of the Tamu District People’s Defense Team, who were reportedly killed near the India-Myanmar border in Manipur.

According to The Irrawaddy, in a statement released on Tuesday, the NUG alleged that the 10 resistance fighters were not killed in combat, but were instead captured, tortured, and executed by Battalion 1 of the Assam Rifles in Manipur State. According to the NUG, the group had informed Indian authorities of their presence near the border prior to their disappearance.

The resistance members went missing from their camp on May 14. On Friday, the Assam Rifles handed over their bodies to fellow resistance forces, the NUG stated.

The NUG also alleged that Indian authorities coerced resistance leaders into signing a document claiming that the fighters had entered Indian territory and launched an attack, which supposedly led to their deaths. Furthermore, the leaders were reportedly forced to agree not to oppose the erection of any future border fences.

The Indian Army’s Eastern Command stated via Twitter that the May 14 operation carried out by the Assam Rifles in Chandel district was based on intelligence indicating the presence of “armed cadres.”

The Indian government’s Press Information Bureau further reported that the operation led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles, one RPG launcher, one M4 rifle, four single-barrel breech-loading rifles, ammunition, and other war-like materials.

Myanmar’s foreign minister for the NUG, Daw Zin Mar Aung, claimed that the resistance fighters posed no threat to Indian security and were deliberately killed. “I can confirm that there was no fighting. They were not posing any threat to India’s security,” she said.

“It was an ugly incident for the Indian military and we are concerned that bilateral relations will be harmed. There is a need to uncover the truth and ensure justice in a manner that does not harm bilateral ties. We have discussed the matter with the Indian authorities, demanded justice and urged them to find the best solution. I hope India will cooperate,” she added.

The NUG has urged India to take full responsibility for the killings, compensate the victims’ families, and take steps to prevent such incidents from recurring. It also called on New Delhi to halt its ongoing border fence construction until border demarcation talks are concluded.

Daw Zin Mar Aung noted that tensions have escalated in the Tamu region due to the fence work, an issue the NUG had raised with India last year. Despite their concerns, India continued with the construction, citing the need to prevent cross-border crimes.

In conclusion, the NUG appealed to people on both sides of the border to remain calm and avoid any response that could further strain India-Myanmar relations.