The fate of six Liangmai Naga civilians has triggered renewed public anger in Imphal, with Naga and Meitei protesters demanding government action before the Manipur Assembly session ends. Demonstrators warned of a major escalation if authorities fail to announce a concrete decision on the killings.
Key Takeaways:
- Naga and Meitei protesters demanded justice for six Liangmai Naga civilians allegedly abducted and killed in the Leilon Vaiphei incident.
- Protesters urged the Manipur government to take a concrete decision during the Assembly session’s concluding day.
- Demonstrators warned of intensified protests and threatened to take the victims’ bodies to the Chief Minister’s and Home Minister’s residence gates.
A large group of Naga and Meitei people gathered at Khwairamband Ima Market, also known as Khwairamband Keithel, on Sunday. They demanded justice for six Liangmai Naga civilians allegedly abducted and killed in the Leilon Vaiphei incident.
The protest came a day before the scheduled conclusion of the eighth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Protesters pressed the government to take a clear decision on the killings before the session ends.
Protest Focuses on Six Liangmai Nagas
The demonstration was jointly organised by Khwairamband Keithel Ima Sing, the Joint Tribe Council of the Coordination Committee Imphal Area and Save Indigenous People of Manipur (SIPOM).
A significant number of women vendors from the market also joined the protest. Participants formed a human chain and raised slogans demanding justice.
The protesters referred to the six victims as Liangmai Naga civilians and demanded accountability for their alleged abduction and killings. They also called for justice for other Naga and Meitei victims of the ethnic conflict that began in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
The protesters said the government must address the issue during Monday’s final Assembly sitting. They expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the lack of decisive action so far.
Bodies Reportedly Kept at JNIMS Morgue
The status of the victims’ bodies emerged as a key issue during the demonstration.
Posts circulating on X claimed that the bodies of the six deceased Nagas have remained at the morgue of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS). The claim could not be independently verified from the material available.
Protesters said the prolonged wait for a government decision had increased public frustration. They demanded a concrete response rather than further assurances.
Rally Stopped by Security Forces
Tension rose when protesters attempted to march from Khwairamband Keithel. Security personnel stopped the rally, resulting in a confrontation between the two sides.
According to local media account @PoknaphamNews, security forces fired several tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The account also shared footage from the protest.
@IndiaTodayNE reported on the confrontation and described it as brief. Its account did not report violence during the incident. Several other X users also circulated videos and updates from the protest site.
Protesters Issue Warning Ahead of Assembly Session
The strongest warning came ahead of Monday’s concluding Assembly sitting.
Protesters said they would take the bodies of the six deceased Nagas to the gates of the Chief Minister’s and/or Home Minister’s residences if the government failed to deliver justice through a concrete decision.
They also threatened to intensify their agitation if authorities did not address their demands.
The warning puts additional pressure on the state government as the Assembly session reaches its final day. It also raises concerns over possible further confrontations if protesters attempt to move the bodies or stage demonstrations near government residences.
Demand for Government Action
The protesters want the government to treat the killings as a matter requiring urgent intervention. They have linked their demand to the broader issue of justice for victims of the continuing ethnic conflict.
For the protesters, Monday’s Assembly sitting represents a key opportunity for the government to state its position. They want a clear decision rather than a delay in addressing the killings.
(This coverage of Sunday’s demonstration has been generated by Enewstime Desk from multiple X posts of verified media account @IndiaTodayNE, local newspaper account @PoknaphamNews, and X Posts other local and national media users who shared on-ground footage and statements.)
