IMPHAL: In a strong show of unity, hundreds of Naga and Meitei women on Tuesday staged a joint sit-in protest at Khwairamband Ima Keithel in Imphal, demanding justice for the killing of six Naga civilians and urging the Manipur government to convene a special Monsoon Session of the State Assembly to hold a thorough debate on restoring peace in the violence-hit state.
The protest was organised by the Naga People’s Union Imphal and the Imphal Naga Business Association in collaboration with Kwairamband Nupi Keithel, Ima Gi Meira, Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC), and United Zeliangrongpui Coordination Committee (UZCC).
Speaking to reporters, FNCC president Ng Akhiu said the joint protest by Naga and Meitei civil society organisations was organised to demand justice for the six Naga civilians who were allegedly killed, mutilated and whose bodies were brought back in plastic bags.
He alleged that those responsible for the killings are yet to be arrested and demanded immediate action against the perpetrators as per the law.
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Akhiu also referred to other incidents, including the killing of people at Tupul and TM Kasom, the arrest of village volunteers by police, and the issue of more than 30 missing Meitei persons, stating that justice must be delivered in all such cases.
The protestors demanded the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants and urged the government to declare the Kuki National Front-P (KNF – P) a terrorist organisation.
The FNCC president also demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on moral grounds, alleging links between her husband and the KNF-P. He further claimed that those involved in incidents of kidnapping and violence have not yet been arrested.
Stating that peace cannot return to Manipur without justice, Akhiu said the indigenous communities of the state had gathered at Ima Keithel to show unity, solidarity and collective demand for immediate justice.
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The protestors further urged the government to convene the Monsoon Session at the earliest to hold detailed discussions on the ongoing crisis and restoration of peace in the state.
