Imphal: Hundreds gathered at Rani Gaidinliu (Freedom Fighter) Park in Mantripukhri, Imphal East, on Saturday for a sit-in protest organised by the United Zeliangrongpui Co-ordination Committee (UZCC) following the killing of six Naga civilians.
The demonstration, held under a large canopy at the park, saw a predominantly women-led crowd seated before a stage where UZCC representatives addressed the gathering. A large banner displayed photographs of the six deceased men, whom protesters referred to as the "six Naga brothers," alongside a list of five demands directed at the state and central governments.
According to the banner and statements made during the protest, the UZCC called for:
- The arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the killings;
- The abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement;
- The declaration of the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) as a terrorist organisation;
- The removal of Nemcha Kipgen from the post of Deputy Chief Minister; and
- The delivery of justice for the six victims.
The SoO agreement is a tripartite ceasefire pact involving the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and several Kuki-Zo militant groups. Protesters argued that the agreement has failed to prevent violence against civilians in the region.
The demand for the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen marks a significant political dimension to the protest, reflecting growing tensions between communities in the ongoing ethnic conflict that has gripped Manipur.
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