'We Want Justice’: Candlelight Protest in Silchar Condemns Meitei Killings

“Justice must prevail!”—These words echoed through Silchar as hundreds of Meitei men, women, and youths gathered to protest the gruesome killings of five Meitei women and children in Manipur, demanding swift action against the alleged Kuki militant perpetrators.

Silchar witnessed an emotionally charged protest on Sunday evening as hundreds of Meitei individuals gathered near the Khudiram statue. The demonstration was organised by various Meitei groups from Cachar district to condemn the abduction and brutal murder of five Meitei women and children in Manipur’s Jiribam district.

The protest began with a candlelight vigil to honour the deceased, followed by powerful slogans demanding justice. Protesters also issued a stern warning: they will not collect the victims’ bodies from Silchar Medical College Hospital unless the authorities arrest the killers promptly.

The tragedy unfolded on Monday in Jiribam district, Manipur, where six Meitei women and children were abducted by alleged Kuki militants. Five of the victims were found dead. The incident has added fuel to the ongoing ethnic tension in Manipur, where violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has escalated.

Across Manipur, the killings have led to widespread unrest. Furious Meitei groups have launched protests, allegedly targeted the homes of political leaders, and set churches ablaze. In response, the government has imposed curfews in multiple districts and suspended internet services to prevent further violence.

At the Silchar protest, the Meitei community voiced their demands with unwavering determination. “We demand justice for our victims and the immediate arrest of those responsible. If this is not done, we will not take the bodies back,” said one of the protesters.

They also appealed to the Assam government to deploy additional security forces in Lakhipur’s Hmar and other sensitive areas to protect the communities from further disheartening events. “We seek peace and safety for all communities, police must ensure that everyone coexists with no issue. The government must ensure that incidents like these do not happen again,” another protester stated.

The demonstrators called on the Central government to intervene and restore peace in Manipur, emphasising the urgent need to end the bloodshed and ensure harmony among all communities.

During the protest, hundreds of Meitei men, women, and youths came together, holding candles and placards bearing slogans like “Justice for Meitei Victims” and “Stop the Killings.” After a solemn candlelight vigil for the victims, they raised their voices with passionate slogans, urging the government to act immediately.