Imphal: In a strong gesture of unity and solidarity, members of the Meitei and Tangkhul Naga communities came together in Imphal on Monday to protest against the recent killings of two Tangkhul civilians from Ukhrul who were ambushed, as well as the Tronglaobi bomb attack that killed two minors while they were asleep in Bishnupur district.
Representatives from the Meitei Pangal community and other groups also participated in the sit-in protest, which was held at Khuman Lampak.
Protesters carried placards, raised slogans against the killings, and urged authorities to ensure accountability and restore peace across the state.
Speaking to media persons, JK Raikhan, chairman of Nagaram, said that the combined sit-in protest voiced strong condemnation over the brutal killing of two civilians from the Tangkhul Naga community who were ambushed while travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul at TM Kasom on April 19.
He said the peaceful protest also condemned the Tronglaobi bomb attack that killed two innocent children in their sleep in Bishnupur district on April 7.
Raikhan stated that the day was marked by mourning and deep sorrow for the people of Manipur over the killings of innocent civilians by suspected Kuki armed militants, describing the acts as crimes against humanity.
He further said that people from different communities gathered together to express solidarity with the victims’ families and to collectively denounce violence against civilians.
According to Raikhan, the government must deliver justice to the people of the state, particularly to the victims and their families, following the recent incidents of violence.
He urged the authorities to ensure maximum security arrangements for commuters travelling along National Highway 202, especially on the stretch between Imphal and Ukhrul, to guarantee the safety of civilians.
Raikhan also appealed to the government to highlight to the international community that the killings were allegedly carried out by Kuki narco-terrorist groups, stressing the need for strong action to prevent further attacks and to restore peace and security in Manipur.
Similarly, Sonia Muivah, a woman leader from the Tangkhul Naga community, alleged that the Government of India has failed to bring peace and restore normalcy in Manipur. She further claimed that Kuki groups are attempting to change the narrative by distorting historical facts related to the ongoing conflict in the state.
Muivah said such attempts to rewrite history could further deepen divisions among communities and called for truth and accountability while working towards lasting peace. She also urged the Government of India to take concrete action on the matter and clearly inform the people of Manipur about how it is working to restore peace and stability in the state.
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