Protesters at Makhan village in Manipur demanded action over the detention of six Naga civilians, accusing the government of failing to protect indigenous communities.
Imphal, May 17: A protest demonstration was held at the Makhan village gate check-post in Manipur on May 16 over the continued detention of six Naga civilians allegedly by Kuki militants, with speakers accusing the state government of failing to ensure the safety of indigenous communities.
The protest was organised as part of a series of agitations launched by sections of the Naga public against what they described as the indifferent attitude of the Manipur government despite repeated appeals from several Naga organisations.
Speaking at the protest, Ashang Kasar, Advisor of the Indigenous People’s Forum Manipur, said it was “shameful” that the government had not been able to secure the release of the six civilians even after four days.
He warned that if any harm came to the detained persons, the Manipur government would have to bear responsibility for the consequences.
Kasar alleged that killings and attacks by armed groups had continued unabated in the state and claimed that both the Manipur government and the Government of India had failed to take action against what he termed “Kuki narco-terrorists”.
“If such activities are not stopped immediately, many uncontrollable incidents are likely to occur,” he said.
He also criticised the role of Central security forces, stating that if they were unable to protect innocent civilians despite being deployed in the state, the public would eventually have to defend themselves collectively.
During his address, Kasar referred to recent incidents at Kotlen and Kotzim, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives there. However, he alleged that innocent civilians were being detained and tortured in the aftermath of those incidents.
He questioned why the authorities had allegedly failed to act against those involved in attacks on villages and civilians, including women and children.
“If peace is to be restored, the government must apprehend and take action against those carrying out terrorist activities,” he said, adding that the inability of the government to act had raised concerns among indigenous communities regarding their safety and security.
Kasar further appealed for unity among indigenous communities, saying collective efforts were necessary to confront violence and protect civilians.
He reiterated that the co-existing communities of Manipur wanted to live together peacefully but warned that people would not remain silent if any untoward incident happened to the six detained persons.
Former Convenor of COCOMI, Khuraijam Athouba, who also addressed the gathering, said the present unrest and incidents of abduction were part of the violence that began in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
Athouba alleged that attacks were no longer limited to the Meetei community and claimed that Tangkhuls and other indigenous communities had also become targets.
According to him, a “powerful group” was backing the armed groups involved in such attacks and carrying out a systematic campaign against indigenous communities in the state.
He described the conflict as a “demographic invasion” and urged communities that had been living in Manipur “since time immemorial” to unite against the threat posed by armed groups.
Athouba also criticised both the Central and state governments, alleging that they had remained passive despite ongoing violence and insecurity.
“Believing that this government will save us is now completely meaningless,” he said while calling for collective action among different communities.
He further stressed the need for discussions among indigenous groups to decide future steps and claimed that there was a nexus between the governments and what he described as “Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists”.
Athouba warned that unless communities united under a common movement, different indigenous groups could face increasing threats in the future.
The protest comes amid continuing tensions in parts of Manipur, where ethnic violence and security-related incidents have persisted since 2023.
