Imphal: Amid heavy security, hundreds of women from the Naga and Meitei communities staged a joint sit-in protest at Khwairamband Ima Keithel in Imphal on Tuesday, demanding justice for the alleged killing of six Naga civilians and calling for immediate steps to restore peace in the violence-hit state.
The protesters urged the Manipur government to convene a special Monsoon Session of the State Assembly to enable a comprehensive discussion on the prevailing law and order situation and measures for lasting peace.
The demonstration was jointly organised by the Naga People’s Union Imphal, Imphal Naga Business Association, Kwairamband Nupi Keithel, Ima Gi Meira, Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC), and the United Zeliangrongpui Coordination Committee (UZCC).
Participants held placards and banners carrying slogans such as “Stop proxy war”, “Go back Central Forces”, “Terrorists, stop killing innocents”, and “Justice for six brutally murdered Liangmai Nagas”. Business establishments across Imphal city remained closed during the protest.
Addressing reporters, FNCC president Ng Akhiu said the protest sought swift legal action against those responsible for the killing and alleged mutilation of the six Naga civilians. He said the demonstration reflected the shared demand of both Naga and Meitei communities for justice and accountability.
The protesters also raised several other demands, including justice in incidents reported from Tupul and TM Kasom, the release of village volunteers arrested by police, and a thorough investigation into the disappearance of more than 30 Meitei persons.
Among their political demands were the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, the designation of the Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P) as a terrorist organisation, and the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on moral grounds over allegations linking her husband to the KNF-P.
Akhiu said lasting peace in Manipur would not be possible without justice for all victims and described the joint protest as a rare display of solidarity between the state’s indigenous communities.
A police officer deployed at the protest venue described the demonstration as one of the strongest public displays of unity between the Naga and Meitei communities since ethnic violence erupted in the state, underscoring the growing demand for reconciliation and accountability.