Imphal: Sit-in protests were held across Manipur’s Imphal East and Imphal West districts on Sunday, with civil society organisations, Meira Paibis and local residents condemning the killing of six Naga civilians and demanding action against those responsible.
Demonstrations were organised at Koirengei, Luwangsangbam, Mantripukhri, Nilakuthi and Laipham Khunou in Imphal East district, where protesters alleged that the six civilians were abducted and killed by armed Kuki militants.
The protesters urged the state government to designate the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) as a terrorist organisation, remove Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office, and evict what they described as illegal villages established in violation of the law.
Meanwhile, a separate sit-in protest was held at Lamphel Sanakeithel in Imphal West district by a coalition of civil society organisations, including the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM), All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Committee on Human Rights (COHR) and the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF).
The organisations alleged that the Centre was waging a “proxy war” in the state and criticised what they described as the government’s failure to prevent recurring violence. They also called on indigenous communities to unite against forces they alleged were seeking to destabilise Manipur.
Protesters displayed placards questioning the role of security forces and urging the government to take effective steps to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
The allegations made during the protests could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate response from the authorities.