Mass peace protest held in Manipur's Imphal demanding justice for six Naga civilians killed after abduction

A large-scale peace protest was held in Imphal on Saturday, June 20, demanding justice for six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted and later killed in Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.

The protest rally was organised by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) under the theme, “Demanding Justice for the Infamous Leilon Vaiphei Massacre Carried Out by KNF-P.” Participants described the demonstration as a peaceful mobilisation aimed at seeking accountability and urging government intervention.

The rally commenced from Tangkhul Baptist Church in Imphal and proceeded towards Khuyathong before returning and concluding at Mao Market. A large number of participants joined the march carrying placards and raising slogans seeking justice for the deceased civilians and restoration of peace.

Among the messages displayed during the protest were calls for justice for the six victims, demands for stronger government action, appeals for peace and public safety, and criticism of the existing security and political response to the incident. Protesters also demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups and sought the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging links between her family and the KNF-P. 

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the protest, ANSAM president Anteshang Maring said the demonstration was organised to raise the concerns of families and communities seeking justice for the six civilians, who, according to the organisation, had been abducted from Leilon Vaiphei and held hostage for over 20 days before being killed.

Maring stated that more than a month had passed since the abduction incident and alleged that no arrests had been made so far in connection with the case. He questioned the pace of the investigation and called for swift action against those responsible.

Alleging the involvement of KNF-P in the abduction and killings, Maring said ANSAM, in line with the position of the United Naga Council, was demanding a formal investigation into the group and sought legal action in accordance with applicable laws. He also demanded that the organisation be designated as a terrorist outfit if evidence established its involvement.

Addressing the issue of the Suspension of Operations agreement, Maring alleged that the arrangement had been misused and called upon the government to review and revoke the mechanism if necessary to prevent future violence.

Authorities had not issued any immediate statement in response to the demands raised during the protest at the time of filing this report.