IMPHAL, Apr 26 : Amid continuing unrest and ethnic tensions in Manipur, a large peaceful human chain protest was organized on Sunday at Kshetrigao Constituency in Imphal East district, condemning the recent killings of minor children and civilians in Tronglaobi (Bishnupur district) and Litan (Ukhrul district).
The demonstration was led by Kshetrigao Nupi Lamjing Lup in collaboration with local youth clubs, drawing significant participation from the public particularly women who joined hands in solidarity to protest what they described as inhumane acts of violence. People belonging to different religions and ethnic groups took part in the protest.
Prominent members present included Advisor Prof. Ch. Sheelaramani, Advisor Ksh. Tama Devi, President M. Damayanti Devi, and General Secretary P. Anita.
Participants raised slogans such as “Stop killings of children and common people,” “Deliver justice to victims,” “Revoke Suspension of Operations (SoO) done with Kuki miltiants,” reflecting deep public anger over the deteriorating security situation.
Addressing the gathering, Advisor Prof. Ch. Sheelaramani stated that the human chain was organized to send a clear message that such crimes are “against humanity.” She alleged that the attacks were carried out by suspected Kuki militants, including those under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with the Government of India and the state government.
She emphasized that the protest symbolized collective suffering and unity, with women and citizens from various communities joining hands to express their grief and resistance. According to her, the human chain movement aims to amplify the voices of the people to the national and international community after prolonged suffering.
Prof. Sheelaramani further highlighted concerns over human rights violations, stating that people of Manipur particularly women have faced repeated hardships under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, while also dealing with increasing levels of violence in recent times.
Describing the situation as chaotic and deeply distressing, she said, “The voice of the suffering people is the voice of God,” urging citizens to unite and raise their voices against ongoing atrocities.
She noted that the continued violence has led to a breakdown of normal life, affecting education, crippling the economy, and limiting employment opportunities.
Drawing a historical parallel to the Seven Years Devastation (1819-1826), she remarked that the brutality witnessed today is “even more inhumane,” and questioned the effectiveness of merely transferring cases to investigative agencies without visible outcomes.
Raising poignant concerns, she asked, “What was the crime of a five-month-old baby girl ” and pointed out that justice has remained elusive even in cases involving security personnel and civilians killed in earlier attacks.
The protest concluded peacefully, with organizers urging authorities to take immediate and concrete measures to restore law and order, ensure justice for victims, and address the grievances of the people.
Manipur has been witnessing prolonged ethnic strife and sporadic violence for about three years, leading to loss of lives, displacement of civilians, and disruption of normal life.
The recent killings in Tronglaobi and Litan reportedly involving innocent civilians, including a five-month-old infant and a five-year-old child have sparked widespread outrage across communities. Incidents such as the killing of a police officer in Moreh and earlier attacks involving advanced weaponry, including sniper fire and alleged drone-based assaults, have further heightened fears about escalating militarization and insecurity in the state.
The ongoing crisis has significantly affected daily life, with education, economic activity, and employment opportunities severely disrupted. Civil society groups, especially women-led organizations, have been at the forefront of protests demanding peace, justice, and accountability.
They stressed that democratic and peaceful expressions of public sentiment must be heard and acted upon by both national and international communities to bring lasting peace to Manipur.
*UNI(
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