Protest erupted in Imphal against the alleged release of arrested Kuki militants today. A sit-in was held at New Checkon Traffic Point today, with protesters questioning the government’s handling of security and law-and-order issues in the state.
The joint sit-in protest was organised by the New Checkon Bazar Nongpok Engkhol Meira Paibi Lup. The protest began at around 11 am and was attended by internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently staying in New Checkon, along with people displaced from Sugunu, Moreh, Churachandpur, Napat, Moirangpurell and other areas affected by the ongoing conflict.
Protesters displayed placards raising a series of concerns over the government’s response to violence and alleged activities of Kuki militants. The messages included demands that those released after being arrested for militant activities should be re-arrested, that the government should stop what protesters described as selective application of the law, and that action should be taken against Kuki militants.
Other placards demanded that the government enforce the law equally across the valley, prevent escalation of violence, and strengthen its response to the prevailing situation.
One placard questioned whether the reported use of patrol bombs against security force vehicles by Kuki militants could be treated as anything other than an attack on security forces. Another questioned whether the blocking of the National Highway by Kuki groups could be considered anything other than a violation of the law.
Speaking during the protest, Huidrom Malini, secretary of the New Checkon Bazar Nongpok Engkhol Meira Paibi Lup, alleged that both the state and Central governments had failed to effectively prevent what she described as the activities of Kuki militants.
She alleged that individuals arrested in connection with violence had been handed over to the National Investigation Agency and kept in jail, but that some arrested Kuki militants were subsequently released, which she said was unacceptable.
Malini further alleged that no significant action had been taken even in cases where Kuki militants had reportedly used patrol bombs against Cobra vehicles, resulting in vehicles being set ablaze.
She also criticised the government for, according to her, failing to take meaningful steps to facilitate the return of displaced people to their ancestral homes while the conflict continues.
The protesters demanded stronger and more consistent enforcement of the law and questioned the government’s response to alleged militant activities and attacks on security personnel.
