Anger and grief over the brutal killing of six civilians allegedly abducted by suspected Kuki militants erupted onto the streets of Imphal today as a large number of people participated in a protest rally demanding justice for the victims of what demonstrators described as the “Leilon Vaiphei Massacre.”
Organised by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) under the theme “Demanding Justice for the Infamous Leilon Vaiphei Massacre Carried Out by KNF-P,” the rally drew participants from various communities who voiced outrage over what they termed the government’s failure to bring the perpetrators to justice more than a month after the abduction of the victims.
The protest march began from Tangkhul Baptist Church in Imphal, proceeded through Khuyathong and culminated at Mao Market. Protesters carried placards and banners demanding justice for the slain civilians, stronger action against armed groups, and immediate measures to restore peace and security in the state.
The demonstration reflected growing public frustration over the incident in which six civilians from Leilon Vaiphei Village in Kangpokpi district were allegedly abducted and held captive for more than twenty days before being found brutally murdered. The killings have triggered widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur.
Throughout the rally, participants raised slogans condemning the killings and accusing authorities of failing to act decisively despite the gravity of the crime. Many questioned how such a prolonged abduction could occur without effective intervention from security agencies and demanded accountability from both the state and central governments.
Several placards called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killings and urged the government to dismantle what protesters described as the infrastructure of armed militancy operating under the cover of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. Demonstrators also demanded the abrogation of the SoO pact with Kuki militant groups, alleging that the arrangement had failed to prevent violence and had instead been exploited by armed elements.
Protesters further demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging links between her family and the KNF-P. The allegations remain unverified, and no official response was immediately available from the Deputy Chief Minister or the government.
Speaking to reporters during the protest, ANSAM president Anteshang Maring said the rally was organised to amplify the voices of the victims’ families and communities who continue to await justice.
He alleged that despite the passage of more than a month since the abduction, no significant breakthrough had been made in the investigation and no arrests had been reported. Describing the pace of the investigation as deeply unsatisfactory, Anteshang Maring questioned the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.
Anteshang Maring further alleged that the Kuki National Front-Presidential (KNF-P) faction was involved in the abduction and killings. Echoing the position of the United Naga Council, he demanded a comprehensive investigation into the organisation and called for stringent legal action against all individuals found responsible. He also urged authorities to designate the group as a terrorist organisation should evidence substantiate its involvement in the crime.
The ANSAM leader argued that the Leilon Vaiphei killings represented more than an isolated criminal act, describing the incident as a serious challenge to the rule of law and public confidence in the state’s security apparatus. He called upon both the state and central governments to act swiftly and decisively before public trust deteriorates further.
The protest highlighted the deepening sense of insecurity and resentment among affected communities, many of whom believe that justice has been delayed despite the brutality of the crime. Demonstrators warned that continued inaction could further erode confidence in government institutions tasked with protecting citizens and upholding the law.
As public pressure mounts, authorities had yet to issue any immediate statement addressing the demands raised by the protesters at the time this report was filed.
