Imphal: Hundreds of people from the Naga and Meitei communities took part in a rally in Imphal on Saturday, demanding justice for six Naga civilians abducted and killed by suspected Kuki militants.Organised by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), the peaceful solidarity rally began from Tangkhul Baptist Church at Kabo Leikai and proceeded through key city roads before ending at Mao Market in Imphal. Protesters carried placards and banners demanding the arrest of those responsible and calling for swift justice.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 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.Speaking to the media after the rally, ANSAM president Th Angteshang Maring expressed disappointment over the govt’s failure to arrest any of the perpetrators even 38 days after the abduction. He alleged the authorities did not act sincerely in investigating the case, despite reports and information reportedly submitted by the victims’ families. The organisation called for the immediate arrest of all those involved in the abduction and killings and urged the govt 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 the govt to immediately review the arrangement.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 take part in the rally organised by ANSAM in Imphal on Saturday
