Imphal: Massive protests were staged by members of the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur’s Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts on Sunday in protest against the brutal killings of two village volunteers from the community.
Similar protest took place in New Delhi where protesters demanded the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct a probe into the case.
The victims, identified as Kammimlal Lupheng, 23, and Kamlengsat Lunkim, 22, were killed during a gunfight between rival armed groups at Phailengmol, a village on the border of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. The incident occurred just days ahead of the first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 19 in the state.
Spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) based in Kangpokpi, Ng Lun Kipgen, highlighted the purpose of the protests, citing the gross human rights violations at Phailengmol and the apparent disregard for the model code of conduct (MCC) by civilians of the valley and armed militias.
“Their cowardice action on dead bodies of the two Kuki-Zo village volunteers are despicable with the most gruesome and gross human rights violation in a century,” said Kipgen.
During the protests, demonstrators raised poignant slogans including ‘Down with Bihar Regiment,’ ‘We want NIA to take up the case,’ ‘We demand separate administration,’ ‘N Biren Singh-shame, shame,’ and ‘No separate administration, no solution.’
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
In response to the killings, tribal bodies imposed a 24-hour total shutdown in the entire Kangpokpi district starting from Saturday midnight, while simultaneously demanding justice for the deceased volunteers.
A candlelight vigil was also organised in honor of the victims in Churachandpur district on Sunday night.
Also Read | Ghastly images of two killed in Manipur circulated on social media