Thousands rally in Manipur’s Senapati, demand justice for three Naga civilians killed in Kailengjang

Around 2,000 people gathered in Manipur’s Senapati district on October 2, demanding justice for three Naga civilians killed and another injured in a shooting at Kailengjang on September 26.

The public rally was organised by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), with representatives of civil society organisations from different Naga tribes joining the protest.

The protesters marched from Traffic Point to Forest Gate at Rikhumai Taphou before returning to Traffic Point, where a public programme was held. Representatives of the victims’ families, tribal bodies, women’s organisations, student bodies and church leaders attended the programme.

A representative of the victims’ families said the three deceased were “sons, brothers, friends and colleagues” who did not return home to their families.

“We stand not for hatred but for justice, not for revenge but for accountability,” the representative said.

The Naga Women’s Union called for a “swift, impartial and transparent” investigation, while the Naga Students’ Federation also demanded justice for the victims and their families.

According to a memorandum submitted by the NPO to the Manipur chief minister, the incident took place between 2.30 pm and 3 pm on September 26. Two people were killed on the spot, while two others were injured. One of the injured, Ashiho Sani, later died in hospital, taking the death toll to three.

The victims were identified as K. Rocky Osanah, Kh. Kumar Poumai and Ashiho Sani. Adani Manio, the surviving injured victim, is undergoing treatment, according to the NPO memorandum.

The NPO submitted a nine-point charter of demands, including the constitution of a Special Investigation Team headed by a police officer not below the rank of Inspector General of Police.

The organisation has sought completion of the investigation within 30 days of the SIT's formation and filing of a charge sheet within 45 days, subject to applicable law and judicial requirements. It has also sought an interim status report for the victims’ families and the NPO within 15 days, to the extent permissible under law.

Among its other demands are ex-gratia assistance of at least Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the three deceased, medical and financial assistance for the surviving victim, support for burial and customary rites, compassionate appointment for an eligible next of kin and educational assistance for dependent children.

The NPO has also demanded stronger security arrangements in vulnerable Naga villages along the Senapati-Kangpokpi border, including effective patrolling and area domination.

It further called for action under the law against any armed elements found operating in a manner that endangers civilians or facilitates attacks on civilian habitations.

As government offices remained closed on Gandhi Jayanti, the NPO delegation went to the Deputy Commissioner’s residence to submit the memorandum.

The organisation has sought a written response from the state government within seven days and warned that further democratic agitation could follow if its demands are not addressed.

The circumstances of the September 26 attack and the identity of those responsible remain subject to investigation. Earlier reports had attributed allegations of involvement to armed Kuki elements, but those allegations have not been independently verified.