Imphal: Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Manipur's Kangpokpi district this Saturday. The Committee on Tribal Unity organized the march to push back against frequent attacks on Kuki-Zo villages. Tensions are boiling over. The crowds filled National Highway-2 to demand government action against the NSCN-IM and the Zeliangrong United Front.
Protesters waved signs slamming what they called the selective enforcement of law. They want security forces to stop looking the other way. The march followed recent violence in the Kamjong and Tamenglong districts. CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen told reporters the state government's current path is dangerous. He warned, "the prevailing security situation in the hill districts formed part of a larger attempt to weaken the state government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh."
The group claims that armed militants are running wild with total impunity. They argue that these groups are trying to tear the hill areas apart. The rally stayed peaceful, but the message was sharp. Demonstrators called for a full review of the ceasefire agreement between the government and the NSCN-IM. They want more Central Armed Police Forces stationed in vulnerable areas. The state government has not yet replied to these accusations.
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