IMPHAL, July 13 (HBTV):
IMPHAL, July 13 - The Justice for the Six Sons of Koubru United Committee (J6SKUC) spearheaded a sit-in protest on Monday at the Tribal Market in New Checkon, Imphal East. The demonstration aimed at drawing attention to the unresolved murder of six Liangmai Naga civilians, expressing concern over the prolonged delay in the arrests and calling for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into all individuals indicated in the initial complaint.
The committee, established under the Joint Tribes Council (JTC), acknowledged that the recent arrests of two suspects signified progress in the investigation. However, it expressed concern over the delayed timing of the arrests, which occurred over 40 days after the submission of the complaint and nearly two months after the murders. The committee stated that this delay has incited concerns among the victims' families and the general public regarding the rate and direction of the investigation.
"Public trust in the justice system relies on not only arrests but also a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation," the committee expressed. The protest welcomed civil society leaders, women's organizations, and local residents.
The speakers at the protest acknowledged the recent arrests as a step forward in the investigation but criticized the failure to address allegations against several individuals named in the original complaint. They argued this oversight has created a perception that the investigation may be concentrating on a limited number of suspects, leaving unresolved questions about the alleged primary accused and others named by the complainants.
The speakers urged the investigating agencies to alleviate these concerns by conducting a comprehensive, impartial, and transparent investigation, offering periodic public updates on its progress, and ensuring that every person with credible evidence against them is investigated and prosecuted according to the law.
The committee stated that the original complaint identified 33 individuals, including the alleged primary accused, village chiefs, and other alleged participants. It noted that the recent arrests have raised queries about the status of the investigation into the remaining individuals named by the complainants.
The protesters reiterated five demands, including the immediate arrest and prosecution of all alleged perpetrators, abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, designation of the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) as a terrorist organization, immediate removal of Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, and eviction of all villages allegedly established unlawfully.
The committee emphasized that their movement is a peaceful and democratic campaign for justice, accountability, and the rule of law. They asserted that the agitation would persist until the investigation is pursued thoroughly, every credible allegation is examined without prejudice, and all those found culpable through due process are brought to justice.
The case pertains to the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians after a string of violent incidents on May 13. Following the murders, two suspects were arrested, marking the first significant breakthrough in the investigation. The killings have ignited widespread protests and demands for justice, while the bodies of the six victims remain at the JNIMS mortuary in Imphal. Naga women have also been mourning the victims in turns at the hospital premises.
The statement was issued by J6SKUC Media-in-Charge Lanhung Briam.