Imphal: Naga and Meitei residents packed Khwairamband Ima Market on July 7 to demand justice for victims of the state's ethnic violence. The sit-in drew a wide coalition, including members of the Meitei Pangal and non-Manipuri groups. They gathered to call out government inaction.
Organizers included the Naga People Union Imphal, the Imphal Naga Business Association, and the Committee on Coordinated Response and Rehabilitation. Protesters want a special session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly to address the crisis. They also demanded an end to the Suspension of Operations agreements with Kuki armed groups and called for the release of jailed community volunteers.
Anger peaked over the unsolved murders of six Naga civilians abducted over a month ago. Activist Ashang Kasar blasted the government's silence. He noted the bodies still sit at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences mortuary nearly 40 days later. Families wait for answers. Kasar said, "The continued silence had raised concerns among the public over its handling of the case."
Previous solo protests failed to spark change. This unity move aims to force the state's hand. Officials have not responded to the grievances aired during the demonstration.
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