The recent protest in Kanglatongbi, Manipur, demanding justice for six Naga civilians allegedly killed amid the ongoing conflict, escalated into violence on Thursday. Following a peaceful sit-in organised by the United Naga Council (UNC), security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), reportedly intervened by using tear gas to disperse the assembled crowd, resulting in four individuals sustaining injuries.

The injured protesters were promptly transported to hospitals in Imphal for medical care. This protest was a collective response from indigenous communities seeking accountability for the fatalities that have occurred during the unrest in the region.

On May 13, the six civilians were allegedly taken from Kangpokpi district, and their remains were discovered on June 10 near a village inhabited by Kuki-Zo individuals. This incident unfolded shortly after the release of 14 Kuki individuals, who had reportedly been abducted by armed groups in Senapati district nearly a month prior.

Demands for Investigation and Accountability

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) reiterated the need for a transparent, impartial, and timely investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction, torture, and killing of the six victims, a reflection of the community’s shared sorrow. The organisation articulated that the vigil held in their memory was a critical acknowledgment of their loss and the alleged security failures leading to these events.

As tensions rose around midday, security forces began to take action to clear the gathering, which led to the situation deteriorating further. The Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M), condemned the deployment of tear gas and deemed the response from law enforcement as excessive and unwarranted. They called for urgent measures to address the situation, including medical assistance for those injured and a thorough investigation into the events that transpired during the protest.

The LNC-M has also pressed for the identification and prosecution of the individuals responsible for the deaths of the six civilians as well as for those who were harmed during the protest. They have pledged to continue their peaceful protests until all demands outlined in the UNC charter are fulfilled.

Ongoing Tensions in the Region

Following the violent clash, security forces are reportedly maintaining a presence in and around Kanglatongbi in an effort to prevent further unrest. The atmosphere in the region remains charged due to increasing calls from Naga civil society organisations for justice and assured safety for affected communities.

Community leaders have asserted that they will persist in their democratic pursuit for accountability and justice, voicing concerns over the alleged abuses and the ongoing turmoil. The situation highlights the deep emotional scars within the indigenous populace amid the continuing conflict in Manipur.

The incident underscores the complexities involved in the interactions between different community factions and law enforcement, as well as the urgent need for dialogue aimed at resolving the long-standing grievances. Observers continue to watch closely as local representatives engage with various stakeholders in hopes of finding a measure of peaceful resolution to the tensions that have erupted in recent times.

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