Protest Rally Held In Imphal Over Demand To Release Six Civilians

Hundreds of people belonging to the Naga community staged a protest rally in Imphal on Monday, demanding the immediate release of six civilians allegedly abducted by suspected Kuki militants. The demonstration, organised by the Naga People's Union Imphal, also saw participation from members of the Meitei community, reflecting the tense and complex ethnic dynamics in the region.

The protest began from the Tribal Market area in Imphal East district and proceeded towards the Chief Minister’s residence. However, security forces stopped the march near the Palace Gate, located around 200 metres from the Chief Minister’s bungalow, after the rally advanced nearly 300 metres. Officials said a heavy deployment was made to prevent any escalation of tension in the sensitive area.

While the main procession was halted, a delegation of the protesters was permitted to proceed and submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh. In their representation, the organisers demanded urgent government intervention to secure the release of six Naga civilians they claim were abducted by armed Kuki militants.

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Orders Uninterrupted Electricity Supply Amid Rising Summer Demand

The memorandum also included politically sensitive demands, including the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, whom the protest organisers accused of having links through her family to a militant outfit. It further called for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Centre, the state government, and Kuki armed groups, along with the deportation of what they described as “Kuki refugees.”

Protesters raised slogans such as “Release six Nagas without condition” and “Repeal SoO,” while some placards carried sharp political messaging targeting the Deputy Chief Minister. Authorities said the situation remained under control due to the presence of security forces, even as tensions persisted in parts of the capital.

According to officials, more than 38 people were initially abducted in incidents reported from Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13, following the killing of three church leaders in an ambush in Kangpokpi. Of those abducted, 32 have since been released, while six Naga civilians are still reported missing. Meanwhile, Kuki organisations have counter-claimed that members of their community are also being held hostage by Naga groups, underscoring the continuing cycle of mistrust and retaliatory violence in the region. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely amid fears of further escalation.

Also Read: India Records Fourth Consecutive Peak Power Demand Surge During Extreme Heatwave