Naga, Meitei groups hold joint sit-in in Imphal

IMPHAL — Members of the Naga and Meitei communities, along with other groups, staged a sit-in protest at the Nupi Keithel (Women's Market) in Imphal on Tuesday 7, demanding justice for indigenous people killed in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur and alleging government inaction.

The sit-in was jointly organised by the Naga People Union Imphal, Imphal Naga Business Association, in collaboration with Khwairamband Nupi Keithel, Ima Gi Meira, Foothill Naga Coordination Committee and the Committee on Coordinated Response and Rehabilitation.

Holding placards reading "Stop killing civilians," "Stop proxy war," and "Justice for 6 Konsakhul (Naga) villagers," women from Nupi Keithel and Naga women from various places, dressed in their traditional attire, participated in the protest.

A large number of armed and unarmed security personnel, including women personnel, were deployed in and around the protest site to prevent any untoward incident.

The protestors demanded a special session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly to hold a detailed discussion on restoring peace in the state. They also called for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the protest, Ashang Kasar, a Naga civil society leader, said the people were unhappy with the government, alleging that it was not doing justice.

"We’re surprised that why the government remained silent, why the government is not booking the culprits involved in the killing of 6 Naga civilians till date," he questioned.

"People want justice, that's why the Naga and Meitei people are protesting here."

It may be recalled that six Liangmai Nagas were allegedly abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district, and their mortal remains were recovered during a massive search operation in the same district on June 10.