Hundreds of people took to the streets in Manipur’s capital, Imphal, on Saturday (June 20, 2026), demanding justice for six Naga villagers whose dismembered bodies were recovered almost a month after they were allegedly abducted in May.
The six, including a pastor, went missing from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district after three church leaders were ambushed and killed in another part of the district on May 13.
The All-Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) organised the protest rally, seeking government intervention to ensure accountability in the case. The organisation accused the armed Kuki National Front-Presidential (KNF-P) group of having executed the six Naga villagers.
ANSAM president Anteshang Maring said the protest was organised to draw attention to the families and community seeking justice for the six civilians, “who were held hostage for over 20 days” before being killed. “Unfortunately, no arrest has been made in connection with the case,” he said, criticising the pace of the investigation.
The ANSAM also demanded the abrogation of the “misused” Suspension of Operations agreement with 25 Kuki-Zomi extremist groups, and the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen for the alleged links between her family and the KNF-P.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday said a peaceful environment was necessary to extend the railway network in the State up to Moreh, which lies on India’s border with Myanmar.
Addressing a public welfare camp in Imphal West district, he said Imphal would be on the country’s railway map within the next two years. “The railway line [from Jiribam on the Assam-Manipur border] has already reached Khongsang, and is expected to reach Imphal in two years,” he said. Khongsang, in Tamenglong district, is about 100 km west of Imphal.
Mr. Singh added that the rail network is planned to be extended up to Moreh, about 105 km southeast of Imphal. He indicated that Moreh could then serve as a gateway to Southeast Asia under India’s Act East policy.
He reiterated, however, that there could be no development in Manipur without a peaceful environment. He urged all communities in the State to keep their differences aside and pursue dialogue to ensure long-lasting peace.
“I appeal to all in Manipur to extend their full cooperation to the government’s ongoing efforts to restore and maintain peace,” the Chief Minister said.
Published - June 20, 2026 03:07 pm IST
Manipur / civil unrest / death
Source: The Hindu - India News
