Mass protests in Manipur against abduction and murder of 6 people from Naga community

Public outrage has erupted in Manipur over the alleged abduction and brutal murder of six people from the Liangmai Naga community. Under the leadership of the 'Justice for the Six Sons of Kabro Joint Committee', massive protests and demonstrations were held simultaneously in five different areas of the state on Friday. The protests, which condemned the killings and pressured the government to arrest the perpetrators, took place in Koirengei, Langol Sangbam, Lamlongei, Nilakuthi, and Lifem Khunou. Hundreds of people, including women, youths, and representatives of local social organizations, participated in the protests and expressed their condolences to the affected families.

Holding placards and banners, the protesters raised slogans and demanded the immediate arrest and severe legal action against all those responsible for the heinous incident. The committee alleged that the killings were carried out by armed Kuki militants. The protesters have placed five key demands before the government, including the immediate declaration of the Kuki National Front as a terrorist organization, the immediate removal of Nemcha Kipgen from the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, and the evacuation of all illegal villages set up in violation of rules and regulations.

The committee stated that the delay in arresting the perpetrators has led to widespread anger among the public. They clarified that the movement will continue in a peaceful and democratic manner until their demands are met and justice is served to the victims, and it will be expanded across the state. Meanwhile, the bodies of the six deceased are still kept in the morgue of the JNIMS hospital in Imphal.

The protesters are demanding justice for the six Liangmai Naga individuals, whose mutilated bodies were recovered after being held hostage for almost a month. The victims were allegedly abducted by armed Kuki militants on May 13 and later killed. The police are investigating the claim. The protesters are also demanding the immediate arrest of the killers. They are also condemning the alleged confessional statements made by some members of the Kuki community regarding the killings.

According to police authorities, around 40 local Liangmai Naga volunteers, along with Meitei women, were keeping a watch on the movement of vehicles at the Namdaiulong crossing and blocking the transportation of goods and other essential items from Imphal to the Kangpokpi district. However, vehicles related to security forces and emergency services have been exempted from these restrictions. Meanwhile, a limited number of inter-state and inter-district passenger vehicles are also plying on this route. The Naga organizations' protest began last month on June 5 and Thursday marked its 28th day. The police said that the volunteers and their supporters are gathering as they fear that the authorities may attempt to clear the blockade. On the other hand, members of the Kuki-Zou community have been holding counter-protests in the Kangpokpi district since June 30, demanding the restoration of traffic on this vital inter-state highway.

In another incident, protesters set ablaze a vehicle carrying telecom equipment in Imphal East on Thursday morning around 1:30 am. The vehicle was torched after a false claim was made that it was transporting illegal goods. According to the police, the vehicle was heading to the Kangpokpi district but was stopped by security personnel in Imphal East and directed to return to Imphal due to the prevailing law and order situation. However, on its way back, a group of protesters in Imphal East stopped the vehicle and set it on fire.