Fresh protests erupted in Manipur on Saturday as Naga and Kuki-Zo civil society organisations staged separate demonstrations over recent incidents of violence in Kangpokpi district, deepening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state.
At Kanglatongbi in Kangpokpi district, protests demanding the safe release of six allegedly abducted Naga civilians intensified, with demonstrators accusing authorities of failing to act decisively amid rising unrest.
The agitation, spearheaded by the Koubru Range Liangmai Women’s Union, entered its fourth consecutive day on Friday and witnessed participation from several civil society and indigenous organisations.
Protesters carried placards bearing messages such as “Hostages are Human, Not Weapons” and “Where is Our Government?”, while raising slogans condemning violence and abduction.
According to organisers, 20 Naga civilians were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village following the May 13 ambush incident in Kangpokpi district in which three church leaders were killed. While 14 of the abducted individuals have reportedly been released, six remain unaccounted for.
Civil society leaders appealed to both the Manipur government and the Centre to intervene urgently to secure the safe release of the remaining civilians and restore public confidence.
The protests come amid heightened tensions in parts of Manipur, particularly in Kangpokpi and neighbouring Noney district, following a series of violent incidents involving armed groups and community tensions.
Meanwhile, in Churachandpur district, thousands of people participated in a mass rally organised by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) to protest the killing of three Kuki-Zo pastors between the Kotzim and Kotlen areas of Kangpokpi district earlier this week.
Participants, including church leaders and community representatives, assembled at Koite village ground before marching to the Wall of Remembrance in Tuibong.
Protesters raised slogans including “Justice for Three Pastors”, “Respect Human Rights”, and “NSCN-IM Stop Killing”.
Following the rally, KWOHR submitted a memorandum addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district.
In the memorandum, the organisation demanded the re-imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, enhanced deployment of security forces in Kuki-Zo areas, and a high-level investigation into the killing of the three pastors and other alleged acts of violence against Kuki-Zo civilians.
The group also sought stringent action against alleged militant outfits involved in attacks on civilians, legal recognition of village defence volunteers in Kuki-Zo areas, and stronger security arrangements in vulnerable regions.
Additionally, KWOHR reiterated its long-standing demand for a Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo people under the Constitution, arguing that such a measure was necessary to ensure lasting peace, security, and coexistence.
The latest protests underscore the continuing fragility of peace in Manipur, where ethnic tensions and sporadic violence have persisted despite repeated appeals for reconciliation and stability.
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