Thousands of people from various communities participated in a peace rally in Imphal on Saturday, demanding justice for six Naga men who were allegedly abducted and killed by suspected Kuki militants. The rally, organised by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), began at Tangkhul Baptist Church in Imphal and proceeded towards Mao Market via Khoyathong Traffic Point. Participants marched carrying placards and raising slogans demanding justice for the victims.
The rally was organised under the theme, “Demanding Justice for the Six Innocent Naga Hostages Brutally Slain by KNF(P) Kuki Terrorists.” During the rally, a heavily guarded convoy carrying Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla passed through the protest route. Demonstrators raised slogans demanding justice for the six victims, the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups.
ANSAM president Th. Angteshang Maring said the rally reflected the collective voice of the people seeking justice for the victims. “This is a mass rally demonstrating the voice of the people and demanding justice for the atrocities and brutal crimes committed against innocent civilians.
We are seeking justice for the six Naga hostages who were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village and later murdered and mutilated after being subjected to brutal torture,” Maring said. He further appealed to both the Manipur government and the Government of India to ensure justice is delivered to the victims and their families. The bodies of the six persons were recovered on 10 June from the vicinity of Leilon Vaiphei village, nearly a month after they were abducted on 13 May.
Maring emphasized that the state and central governments cannot remain silent on the matter and must ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
