By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Hundreds of youths and women participated in a bike rally across different parts of Manipur on Sunday, May 24, expressing concern over the alleged rise of “narco-terrorism” in the state.
Organised by the Indigenous People’s Front under the banner “Save Manipur from Narco Terrorism”, the rally commenced from the Koujeng Leima temple complex at Sekmai and culminated at Khuman Lampak in Imphal.
The event was flagged off by Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) convenor Yengkokpam Dhiren in the presence of senior members of the organisation.
Addressing participants, Dhiren stated that the rally aimed to safeguard indigenous communities from the alleged activities of narco-terrorist groups operating in Manipur.
The rally moved through several key areas, including Luwangsangbam, Chingmeirong, Thangmeiband, Khoyathong, Nagamapal, Keishampat, Bishnupur, Moirang, Kakching, Thoubal, Singjamei and Wangkhei.
The protest took place amid heightened tensions following a public meeting near Makhan Naga Village Gate in Kanglatombi, Imphal West district. The gathering was jointly organised by various civil society organisations protesting alleged Kuki aggression and the reported abduction of civilians earlier this month.
Community representatives alleged that 20 civilians were abducted in separate incidents from Leilon Veiphei and Sapormeina between May 13 and May 15. According to them, 14 individuals have since been released, while six people remain missing.
Civil society organisations accused the government of failing to prevent the incidents and issued a three-day ultimatum seeking the safe return of the remaining captives.
The groups also demanded strict legal action against those allegedly involved in the abductions, revocation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki National Front (Presidential) and stronger security measures in vulnerable areas.
Additionally, the organisations called for the removal of BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen from her government post, alleging family links to a militant operative.
In a joint statement, the organisations asserted that indigenous communities in Manipur would continue to remain united against what they described as repeated attacks and territorial threats.