Imphal: Security forces used tear gas and physical force against protesters at Namdilong in Imphal West district on Thursday. The clash erupted around noon when the Rapid Action Force and other units moved to disperse a crowd gathered to demand justice for six Naga men and two villagers from Langka killed by alleged Kuki militants. Four civilians sustained serious injuries during the confrontation. Medical staff at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal treated Wikhonliu, 36, Wilobou, 33, Chunwibou, and Masenwangbou, 44, for their wounds.
The Liangmai Naga Council condemned the crackdown as an unwarranted display of brutality. The group demanded an immediate investigation and the release of all villagers detained during the event. They also called for legal action against those responsible under Sections 115, 117, and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The council remains firm in its stance. "Peaceful dissent must not be met with coercion and brutality," the organization stated in a press release.
Ashang Kasar, convener of the Native People’s Committee Manipur, slammed the state government for its response. He urged security personnel to treat citizens with dignity rather than viewing them as enemies. Representatives from the Apunba Manipur Ema, COCOMI women’s wing, and the Kabui Mothers’ Association Manipur also joined the chorus of condemnation. Protesters maintain that the bodies of the six victims currently held at the institute’s morgue represent a failure of justice. The council vowed to continue its democratic agitation until the United Naga Council charter demands are met.
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