Imphal: Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday cancelled his visit to Makhan village in Kangpokpi district following protests by the Naga and Meitei communities, along with JTC members, over delay in delivering justice for the killing of six Naga civilians.The CM, however, proceeded to Kangpokpi district headquarters as part of the govt’s ongoing peace-building and reconciliation efforts.The protesters, who had gathered along NH-2 near Kanglatongbi in Imphal West, displayed black flags and placards, raising slogans as Khemchand’s convoy travelled towards Kangpokpi along NH-2.Opposing the CM’s visit to Makhan, the JTC members said the govt should first address its demand for justice and take action against those responsible for the killings.Speaking to reporters, JTC co-convener and Liangmai Naga Council Manipur president Timothy said the community was not seeking development assistance or relief materials in lieu of justice. “We are demanding for justice to be delivered,” he said, adding that the community had been waiting for around three months.Earlier, on May 13, six Naga civilians were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei, a Kuki village in Kangpokpi district. On June 10, their mutilated bodies were recovered, triggering widespread protests.The JTC maintained that relief and development measures could not substitute for action against the perpetrators.
