Senapati rally drew around 2,000 people on Friday as Naga civil society groups and residents gathered to demand justice for three civilians killed in Kailengjang village on September 26. The demonstration took place at Senapati district headquarters and followed days of protests over the deaths.
The rally was organised by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO). Participants marched from Traffic Point to Forest Gate at Rikhumai Taphou before returning to Traffic Point for a public programme. Families of the victims, tribal organisations, women’s groups, student bodies and church leaders joined the gathering.
Senapati rally follows deadly Kailengjang attack
The Senapati rally came six days after the shooting at Kailengjang, near the Senapati-Kangpokpi inter-district border. Two Naga civilians, K. Rocky Osanah of Chowainamai Khullen and Kh. Kumar of Laii Shirafii, died at the spot.
A third victim, 49-year-old Ashiho Sani of Shajouba village, later died from his injuries at a private hospital. Another injured civilian, Adani Manio of Makhel, remained under treatment, according to reports and the NPO memorandum submitted after the rally.
The attack initially left two people dead and two injured. Sani’s death on September 27 raised the toll to three. Authorities conducted post-mortem examinations before the victims’ remains were taken to their respective villages for last rites.
Senapati rally highlights demand for investigation
At the public programme, speakers stressed justice, accountability and the need for an impartial investigation. The Naga Women’s Union called for a swift, impartial and transparent probe, while the Naga Students’ Federation also urged action for the victims and their families.
The NPO submitted a nine-point memorandum to the Manipur government. Its demands include setting up a Special Investigation Team headed by a senior police officer of at least Inspector General rank.
The organisation also sought a time-bound investigation, an interim status report for the families and NPO, financial assistance for the victims’ families, medical support for the injured survivor and help with burial and customary rites.
Security concerns remain central
The Senapati rally also focused on security in vulnerable Naga villages along the Senapati-Kangpokpi border. The NPO asked the state government to strengthen patrolling, area domination and protection of civilian settlements.
It further called for action against armed cadres or other armed elements if their activities endanger civilians. These demands reflect wider concerns among Naga organisations after several recent attacks in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur.
However, responsibility for the Kailengjang attack remains a matter for investigation. Naga organisations have alleged the involvement of Kuki armed elements, but that allegation has not been independently established. Reporting on the incident has also recorded calls from Naga groups for an impartial probe rather than treating the allegation as a proven finding.
Earlier protests set the stage
The Senapati rally followed a 12-hour shutdown observed across the district on September 28. The NPO called the shutdown to mourn the three deaths and press for justice.
During the shutdown, business establishments, government and private offices and transport services remained closed. Traffic movement, including military convoys, was also affected.
The latest mobilisation also came after the NPO announced the October 2 rally and appealed to residents to participate in traditional attire. The organisation said the event would express collective grief and seek legal action against those responsible.
Senapati rally sends demands to government
The rally ended with the submission of the memorandum and a call for a written response from the state government. According to the NPO, it has sought a response within seven days and indicated that further democratic agitation could follow if its demands are not addressed.
For the families, the immediate focus remains accountability for the three deaths and support for the surviving injured victim. Meanwhile, the wider security situation along vulnerable areas continues to draw attention.
The Senapati rally has therefore placed the Kailengjang killings at the centre of public demands for investigation, civilian protection and lawful action. The next steps by investigators and the state government will determine how the demands are addressed.