Correspondent
IMPHAL, SEP 6: A rally demanding justice for six Naga hostages allegedly abducted and killed by a Kuki group in Kangpokpi district turned violent in Imphal on Sunday after security forces stopped protesters from proceeding towards Kangla Fort.
Security forces fired tear gas shells after protesters defied warnings beneath the Bir Tikendrajit Flyover near Khwairamband Keithel. The situation was later brought under control, with no major untoward incident reported.
Organised jointly by Coordination Committee of Khwairamband Keithel, Joint Tribe Council and Save Indigenous People of Manipur, the rally involved mostly Meitei and Naga women. Protesters demanded concrete decision on the issue during the ongoing Assembly session and warned that the victims’ remains would be deposited at home minister’s residence if their demand was ignored.
The protest followed recent Assembly statements by chief minister Y Khemchand Singh and home minsiter concerning the alleged abduction and killing. Citing an NIA report, Khemchand said the Leilon Vaiphei village chief was in Guwahati when the six were allegedly abducted.
Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee co-convener Amandai Thaimei disputed the claim, alleging eyewitness testimony implicated the village chief and a police personnel.