Imphal: The Naga Youths of Senapati (NYS) staged a peaceful sit-in protest at Senapati Bazaar on Saturday, demanding time-bound justice for Naga civilians killed in recent attacks in Kangpokpi district.
Protesters from different parts of Senapati district carried placards bearing messages such as “Justice for Naga Victims,” “Prosecute the Guilty,” and “Protect Naga Ancestral Land.”
After the demonstration, the NYS submitted a memorandum through the Senapati Deputy Commissioner. Addressed to the President, Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, human rights organisations and the Manipur government, the memorandum listed several demands concerning the security and rights of Naga communities amid the ongoing conflict.
Among the key demands were a time-bound judicial inquiry into the killings of Naga civilians in Kangpokpi, immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, designation of the Kuki National Front (President) as a terrorist organisation, and the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office.
Speaking during the protest, Chiaklungbou, chairman of Makui Pipuram village, alleged that armed Kuki groups had attacked his village and set residential houses on fire. He said displaced residents were currently taking shelter at a relief centre in Senapati and called for the deployment of security forces to prevent further attacks.
Social activist RK Paul Chawang said the protest was intended to draw attention to what he described as systematic arson, ambushes and targeted killings affecting Naga communities.
Chawang alleged that small and vulnerable Naga villages had been facing repeated attacks, putting farmers, women and children at risk. He also criticised the state government over what he described as failures to protect civilians and ensure accountability for the violence.
According to Chawang, 18 Naga civilians have been killed during the conflict, with some victims allegedly subjected to mutilation after death. Referring to an attack on May 13 in which six people were killed, he said the victims’ bodies were recovered only on June 10 and that their families were still awaiting justice.
Chawang also pointed to growing dissatisfaction over the government’s response to the United Naga Council’s (UNC) four-point charter of demands, which led to an economic blockade beginning on May 17.
While maintaining that Saturday’s demonstration was peaceful and non-political, he warned that continued administrative inaction could deepen resentment among Naga youths.