Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Thousands participated in a protest rally in Imphal today demanding justice for six civilians allegedly abducted and killed by suspected Kuki militants in the “Leilon Vaiphei Massacre.”
Organised by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, ANSAM, under the theme “Demanding Justice for the Infamous Leilon Vaiphei Massacre Carried Out by KNF-P,” the march began at Tangkhul Baptist Church, passed through Khuyathong, and ended at Mao Market. Protesters carried placards calling for the immediate arrest of those responsible and urged the government to dismantle the infrastructure of armed militancy operating under the Suspension of Operations, SoO, agreement.
Demonstrators also demanded the abrogation of the SoO pact with Kuki militant groups and the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging links between her family and the KNF-P. These allegations remain unverified, and no official response was available from the Deputy Chief Minister or the government at the time of filing.
ANSAM president Anteshang Maring said the rally was organised to amplify the voices of victims’ families who are still awaiting justice. He alleged that over a month after the abduction, there had been no significant breakthrough in the investigation or arrests. He further alleged that the Kuki National Front-Presidential, KNF-P, faction was involved and called for a comprehensive probe, stringent legal action, and the group’s designation as a terrorist organisation if evidence supports it.
The NIA recently arrested 10 people in major Manipur violence cases, including four AT members and a police ASI, in connection with the broader unrest.
Protesters said the killings represent a challenge to the rule of law and warned that continued inaction could erode public trust in security institutions. Authorities had not issued a statement on the demands at the time this report was filed.
