Naga Protest in Imphal Demands Release of Hostages
Protest Rally in Imphal
The protesters raised slogans such as "Down Down Nemcha Kipgen", "Release Six Nagas without condition" and "Repeal SoO".
Imphal, May 25: A significant protest rally took place in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, where hundreds of Nagas gathered to demand the swift release of six civilians believed to be held captive by suspected Kuki militants.
The demonstration, organized by the Naga People's Union Imphal, saw participation from various members of the Meitei community. It commenced from the Tribal Market area in Imphal East and was directed towards the chief minister's residence.
However, the protesters were halted by a substantial presence of security forces near the Palace Gate, approximately 200 meters from the chief minister's bungalow, after marching nearly 300 meters, according to officials.
A delegation from the union was permitted to proceed and present a memorandum to Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh.
The memorandum called for immediate action against the armed Kuki militants allegedly responsible for the abduction of the six Naga civilians.
Additionally, it demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from her position, alleging that her husband leads the militant group Kuki National Front (Presidential) and is implicated in the abduction.
The protesters also urged the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement involving the Centre, the state government, and Kuki militant factions, along with the deportation of "Kuki refugees".
During the rally, slogans such as "Down Down Nemcha Kipgen", "Release Six Nagas without condition", and "Repeal SoO" were chanted. One poster directed at Kipgen questioned, "How can a militant's wife become a deputy chief minister?".
On May 13, over 38 individuals were reportedly abducted by armed groups in the Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, shortly after three church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi.
Out of those abducted, 32 individuals, including 12 Naga women and 16 Kukis, have been released, but six Naga men remain unaccounted for.
Conversely, Kuki Inpi Manipur has asserted that 14 members of their community are still being held hostage by Naga groups.
In response, DGP Rajiv Singh stated that discussions are ongoing with various factions, and security forces are actively working to locate several individuals reportedly held captive by different groups in the hill districts.
Singh, who has recently taken on the role of secretary (security) in the cabinet secretariat, informed reporters, "We are addressing the issue of missing persons. We have engaged in multiple discussions and conducted operations as well."
Reflecting on his experience in the state, Singh remarked, "It is undoubtedly a complex environment to navigate. However, with the support of the team and everyone involved, we have managed to make progress, and the situation is certainly improved compared to before."
"I have had a wonderful experience here with an exceptional team. The Manipur Police is among the finest in the country and one of the most capable. There are no distinctions of rank or gender here," he added.