SENAPATI: The Naga Youths of Senapati (NYS) on Saturday organised a peaceful sit-in protest at Senapati Bazaar, demanding time-bound justice for Naga civilians killed in alleged attacks in Kangpokpi district.
Youth participants from different parts of Senapati district took part in the protest and carried placards bearing messages including “Justice for Naga Victims”, “Prosecute the Guilty”, “No Justice, No Peace”, “Stop the Bloodshed”, “Stop Burning Homes”, “No Impunity”, “Arrest the Killers” and “Protect Naga Ancestral Land”.
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Speaking at the gathering, Makui Pipuram village chairman Chiaklungbou alleged that armed Kuki groups had attacked the village and set residential houses on fire.
He said several villagers were currently taking shelter at a relief centre in Senapati and appealed to the authorities to provide security to the village to prevent further attacks.
Social activist RK Paul Chawang said the protest was organised to raise concerns over alleged arson attacks, ambushes and killings of Naga civilians.
He alleged that smaller Naga villages had been attacked during both night and daytime, creating security concerns for farmers, villagers, women and children.
Chawang also criticised the state government and authorities for what he described as a failure to prevent attacks on civilians and ensure accountability for the killings.
He claimed that 18 Naga civilians had been killed in attacks in the conflict and alleged that some victims were subjected to mutilation after their deaths.
Referring to the May 13 attack in which six Naga civilians were allegedly killed, Chawang said the victims’ mutilated bodies were recovered on June 10 and were still awaiting justice. He also said the victims’ families had been seeking action against those responsible.
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The protestor further referred to the economic blockade called by the United Naga Council (UNC) from May 17 over its four-point charter of demands, and said the protesters were dissatisfied with the lack of what they termed tangible progress from the government.
Chawang warned that continued failure to address the demands could lead to growing anger among Naga youth, while stressing that the day’s protest was peaceful and not affiliated with any political party.
The protesters later submitted a memorandum through the Deputy Commissioner, Senapati, addressed to the President of India, Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Manipur Chief Minister and Governor of Manipur.
The memorandum sought time-bound justice in the killing of Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district, abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement, designation of Kuki National Front (President) as a terrorist organisation, and removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office.
The protestors said the demonstration was aimed at drawing attention to the concerns of Naga communities and demanding accountability and protection for civilians amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
