SENAPATI: Around 2,000 people gathered at Traffic Point in Senapati on Friday for a public rally demanding justice for three Naga civilians killed and another grievously injured at Kailengjang on September 26.
The rally was organised by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO). Representatives of civil society organisations from different Naga tribes also joined the rally.
The protesters marched from Traffic Point to Forest Gate, 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.
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The Naga Women’s Union called for a “swift, impartial and transparent” investigation, while the Naga Students’ Federation General Secretary said justice should be delivered to 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. The memorandum said two people were killed on the spot, while two others were injured and one later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
The victims were identified as K. Rocky Osanah, Kh. Kumar Poumai and Ashiho Sani. Adani Manio, who survived the attack, is undergoing treatment, according to the memorandum.
The NPO submitted a nine-point charter of demands:
1. Constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of a senior police officer not below the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP).
2. The investigation should be completed within 30 days from the constitution of the SIT, with the charge-sheet filed before the competent court within 45 days, subject to applicable law and judicial requirements.
3. An interim status report may kindly be provided to the victims’ families and the Naga People’s Organisation within 15 days of the constitution of the SIT, to the extent permissible under law.
4. The Government of Manipur should immediately sanction and disburse ex-gratia assistance of not less than ₹10,00,000 each to the next of kin of the three deceased victims.
5. Adequate medical assistance and necessary financial relief should be provided to Adani Manio, the surviving injured victim, who is presently undergoing treatment.
6. Necessary assistance should be provided to the bereaved families towards burial and customary rites.
7. Provide compassionate appointment to an eligible next of kin and educational assistance for dependent children, in accordance with applicable rules and schemes.
8. The State Government should immediately strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable Naga villages along the Senapati–Kangpokpi border, including effective patrolling, area domination and protection of civilian habitations.
9. The Government should ensure that armed cadres, or any other armed elements, do not operate in a manner that endangers civilian lives or facilitates attacks upon civilian habitations, and necessary action should be taken in accordance with law wherever such activities are found.
As government offices remained closed on Gandhi Jayanti, the delegation went to the Deputy Commissioner’s residence to submit the memorandum.
The NPO has sought a written response from the state government within seven days and said further democratic agitation may follow if the demands are not addressed.
