Imphal: Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Imphal today to demand justice for six civilians abducted and murdered in an incident known as the Leilon Vaiphei Massacre. Organized by the All Naga Students Association, Manipur, the rally drew diverse communities to condemn the alleged involvement of Kuki militants and the failure of state authorities to address the crime.
The march began at the Tangkhul Baptist Church and moved through the city to Mao Market. Demonstrators carried placards calling for the arrest of those responsible and the dismantling of militant infrastructure operating under the Suspension of Operations agreement. Many participants questioned why authorities failed to intervene during the victims' twenty days in captivity.
ANSAM president Anteshang Maring addressed the crowd, criticizing the slow pace of the investigation. He noted that despite the month that has passed since the tragedy, no arrests have been made. "The pace of the investigation is deeply unsatisfactory," Maring stated while calling for the Kuki National Front-Presidential faction to face legal consequences. The student leader urged both state and central governments to act decisively to restore public trust.
Protesters also voiced demands for the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, citing unverified allegations of links between her family and the KNF-P. As tensions remain high, authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the marchers or their specific demands for reform and accountability.
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