A large-scale peace protest was held in Imphal on Saturday, June 20, seeking justice for six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted and later killed in Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
The rally was 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.” Organisers described the demonstration as a peaceful mobilisation aimed at seeking accountability and urging government intervention.
The procession began from Tangkhul Baptist Church in Imphal and moved towards Khuyathong before returning and concluding at Mao Market. A large number of people participated in the march, carrying placards and raising slogans demanding justice for the victims and the restoration of peace.
Placards displayed during the protest called for justice for the six deceased civilians, stronger government action, improved public safety and peace, and expressed criticism of the prevailing security and political response to the incident. Protesters also demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups and sought the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging links between her family and the KNF-P. The allegations remain unverified, and no official response had been issued at the time of filing this report.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the rally, ANSAM president Anteshang Maring said the protest was organised to amplify the concerns of families and communities seeking justice for the six civilians, who, according to the organisation, had been abducted from Leilon Vaiphei and held captive for more than 20 days before being killed.
Maring said more than a month had elapsed since the abduction and alleged that no arrests had been made in connection with the case. He questioned the pace of the investigation and called for prompt action against those responsible.
Alleging the involvement of the KNF-P in the abduction and killings, he stated that ANSAM, in line with the position of the United Naga Council, was demanding a formal investigation into the outfit and legal action under the applicable laws. He further urged the authorities to designate the group as a terrorist organisation if evidence established its involvement.
On the issue of the Suspension of Operations agreement, Maring alleged that the arrangement had been misused and called upon the government to review and revoke the mechanism, if necessary, to prevent future violence.
Authorities had not issued any immediate statement in response to the demands raised during the protest.
