Imphal: Hundreds of people from the Naga and Meitei communities participated in a rally in Imphal on Saturday, demanding justice for six Naga civilians who were abducted and killed by suspected Kuki militants.
Peaceful Solidarity Rally
Organized by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), the peaceful solidarity rally commenced from Tangkhul Baptist Church at Kabo Leikai and proceeded through key city roads before concluding at Mao Market in Imphal. Protesters carried placards and banners demanding the arrest of those responsible and calling for swift justice.
Details of the Abduction
The six Naga civilians, including two pastors from Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi district, were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. Their mutilated and dismembered bodies were recovered nearly a month later, on June 10.
Security Measures During Rally
Security was briefly intensified during the rally as the convoys of Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh passed near the marching protesters along the route. Authorities enforced strict security measures as marchers shouted slogans such as “We Want Justice,” “Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen Down Down,” and “Kuki Terrorists Down Down,” at the VIP convoys. Despite the heightened security, the demonstration remained peaceful and concluded without any untoward incident.
ANSAM's Statements
Speaking to the media after the rally, ANSAM president Th Angteshang Maring expressed disappointment over the government's failure to arrest any of the perpetrators even 38 days after the abduction. He alleged that authorities did not act sincerely in investigating the case, despite reports and information reportedly submitted by the victims' families. The organization called for the immediate arrest of all those involved in the abduction and killings and urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation.
Maring also claimed that the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement has been misused by Kuki groups as a “license to kill innocent people”, and demanded that the government immediately review the arrangement.
Additional Demands
During the rally, ANSAM reiterated demands, including action against the Kuki National Front-Presidential (KNF-P), which it alleged was involved in the crime. The student body also questioned the appointment of deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging that her husband is a leader of the KNF-P.
People took part in the rally organized by ANSAM in Imphal on Saturday.
