IMPHAL, AUG 8 (NPN): Even as chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh received a rousing welcome at Kangpokpi district headquarters Saturday, his convoy faced strong protest while passing through Naga‑dominated Makhan area of the district.
Residents of Makhan—comprising Naga and Meitei communities—staged a black flag demonstration and burned tyres along NH‑2 as the chief minister travelled to Kangpokpi. The protesters demanded justice for six Naga hostages whose mutilated mortal remains were discovered near Leilon (Vaiphei) village on June 10.
Singh was earlier scheduled to stop at Makhan village to meet displaced Liangmai Naga villagers from Kansakhul sheltering at a relief camp. The plan was cancelled following opposition from Naga civil society groups. The Working Committee, Joint Tribes Council Manipur (WC‑JTCM) had already announced its decision to boycott the visit, insisting that justice for the six slain Liangmai men must precede any official programme in Naga areas.
The Makhan Relief Camp currently shelters around 35 internally displaced persons affected by the abduction and murder of the six villagers by Kuki armed groups. The apex body of Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme tribes alleged that more than 84 days have passed since the killings on May 13, 2026, yet no arrests have been made and investigations remain inconclusive. It had also urged Naga leaders, village authorities and organisations to refrain from meeting government officials for projects, relief or dialogue until the larger interests of Naga communities are addressed.
Speaking at the protest, Timothy Wijunamai, co‑convener of the Joint Tribe Council (JTC) and president of the Liangmai Naga Council, said the villagers’ main demand was justice for the six murdered hostages. He noted that over two months had lapsed without any government action to address their concerns.
Wijunamai questioned the rationale behind the chief minister’s proposed visit to the relief camp, arguing that the government should first identify and punish the culprits before embarking on outreach programmes. He warned that the JTC would intensify its agitation if concrete steps were not taken.