The event was jointly organised by multiple civil society organisations protesting alleged Kuki aggression and the reported abduction of civilians earlier this month
KRC TIMES NE Desk
Imphal : Hundreds of youths and women participated in a bike rally across several parts of Manipur on Sunday to protest against what organisers described as growing “narco-terrorism” threats in the state.
The rally, organised by the Indigenous People’s Front under the theme “Save Manipur from Narco Terrorism”, began from the Koujeng Leima temple campus in Sekmai and concluded at Khuman Lampak in Imphal.
The demonstration was flagged off by Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity convenor Yengkokpam Dhiren along with senior members of the organisation. Speaking during the rally, Dhiren said the programme was aimed at safeguarding indigenous communities from the alleged activities of narco-terrorist groups operating in the state.
The rally passed through several localities, including Luwangsangbam, Chingmeirong, Thangmeiband, Khoyathong, Nagamapal, Keishampat, Bishnupur, Moirang, Kakching, Thoubal, Singjamei and Wangkhei.
The mobilisation comes amid heightened tensions following a recent public gathering near Makhan Naga Village Gate in Kanglatombi in Imphal West district. The event was jointly organised by multiple civil society organisations protesting alleged Kuki aggression and the reported abduction of civilians earlier this month.
According to community leaders, 20 civilians were allegedly abducted in separate incidents between May 13 and May 15 from Leilon Veiphei and Sapormeina areas. While 14 people have reportedly been released, six were still said to be in captivity.
Civil society groups accused the authorities of failing to prevent the incidents and issued a three-day ultimatum demanding the safe rescue of the remaining hostages.
The organisations also demanded legal action against those allegedly involved in the abductions, cancellation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki National Front (Presidential) and intensified security operations in affected areas.
They further called for the removal of BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen from her government position, alleging links to a militant through family ties. In a joint statement, the organisations said indigenous communities in Manipur would remain united against what they described as repeated attacks and territorial aggression.
