Massive Peace Protest Held In Imphal Demanding Justice For 6 Naga Civilians Killed In Manipur

Guwahati: Manipur All Naga Students Association on Saturday held a massive peace march on Imphal street, demanding justice for six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted and later killed at Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.

“We want justice for the infamous Leilon Vaiphei massacre carried out by KNF-P,” the student body said. Participants described the demonstration as a peaceful mobilization aimed at seeking accountability and encouraging government intervention.

The rally started from Tangkhul Baptist Church in Imphal and moved towards Khuyathong, then turned back and ended at Mao Market. Many participants attended the march, carrying banners and chanting slogans to establish justice and peace for the dead civilians.

Messages displayed during the protest included calls for justice for the six victims, demands for stronger government action, calls for peace and public safety, and criticism of current security and the political response to the incident. Protesters also demanded the cancellation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups and the dismissal of deputy prime minister Nemcha Kipgen, citing links between her family and KNF-P.

ANSAM president Anteshang Maring told reporters that the demonstration was organized to voice the concerns of families and communities seeking justice for six civilians who, according to the organisation, were kidnapped from Leilon Vaiphei and held hostage for more than 20 days before being killed.

Mr. Maring stated that more than a month had passed since the kidnapping and claimed that no arrests had been made so far in connection with the incident. He questioned the speed of the investigation and called for immediate action against those responsible.

Alleging KNF-P’s involvement in the abductions and killings, Mr. Maring said ANSAM has demanded a formal investigation into the group in line with the position of the United Naga Council and legal action has been initiated in accordance with applicable laws. He also requested that the organization be designated as a terrorist organization if evidence proves its involvement.

Calling for the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki rebel groups to be suspended, Mr Maring claimed the arrangement was being abused and called on the government to review and revoke the mechanism if necessary to prevent future violence.