Imphal, May 24: Hundreds of youths and women participated in a bike rally across several parts of Manipur on Sunday, May 24, expressing concern over what organisers described as the growing threat of “narco-terrorism” in the state.
The rally, organised by the Indigenous People’s Front under the theme Save Manipur from Narco Terrorism, began from the Koujeng Leima temple campus in Sekmai and concluded at Khuman Lampak in Imphal.
The programme was flagged off by Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity convenor Yengkokpam Dhiren along with senior members of the organisation.
Addressing participants during the event, Dhiren said the initiative was intended to protect indigenous communities from the alleged activities of narco-terrorist groups operating in the state.
The rally moved through several major areas, including Luwangsangbam, Chingmeirong, Thangmeiband, Khoyathong, Nagamapal, Keishampat, Bishnupur, Moirang, Kakching, Thoubal, Singjamei and Wangkhei.
The demonstration came amid heightened tensions following a recent public gathering near Makhan Naga Village Gate in Kanglatombi in Imphal West district. The gathering had been organised by multiple civil society groups protesting alleged Kuki aggression and reported incidents involving the abduction of civilians earlier this month.
According to community representatives, 20 civilians were allegedly abducted in separate incidents between May 13 and May 15 from Leilon Veiphei and Sapormeina. Community leaders claimed that 14 individuals had since been released, while six were still allegedly being held.
Civil society organisations accused authorities of failing to prevent the incidents and issued a three-day ultimatum seeking the safe return of the remaining individuals. They also demanded legal action against those allegedly involved, cancellation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with the Kuki National Front (Presidential) and stronger security measures in affected areas.
The groups further sought the removal of Nemcha Kipgen from her government role, alleging links to a militant through family relations.
In a joint statement, the organisations said indigenous communities would continue to remain united against what they described as repeated attacks and territorial aggression.
