Candlelight Rally in Lakhipur Demands Justice for Manipur Violence Victims
A solemn candlelight rally was organized in Lakhipur town of Cachar district on Friday evening, with participants seeking justice for the victims of recent violent incidents in Manipur. The rally saw around 300 people, predominantly Meitei women accompanied by male members from various organizations, marching through the town while holding candles and offering prayers for the deceased.
Organizations Behind the Peaceful Protest
The event was jointly organized by three local groups: Purnagram Iputhou Thongnang Thougallup, Lakhipur Khuman Meira Paibi, and Lakhipur Khuman Club. Participants lit earthen lamps at temples along the procession route, creating a poignant atmosphere as they prayed for the departed souls.
Background of the Manipur Violence
The protest was a direct response to the tragic events of April 7 in Manipur's Bishnupur district. In the early hours of that day, a projectile suspected to have been fired by Kuki militants struck a home in Moirang, resulting in the deaths of a five-year-old boy and his infant sister. Their mother sustained critical injuries and remains hospitalized.
This attack triggered widespread protests across Manipur. During one such demonstration, clashes erupted when protesters attempted to storm a nearby CRPF camp. Security personnel responded by opening fire to disperse the crowd, leading to the immediate deaths of at least two protesters. Another protester later succumbed to injuries, bringing the total fatalities from the firing to three.
Community Leaders Voice Concerns
Speaking to reporters, I Tarun Singh, president of Lakhipur Khuman Club, strongly condemned the April 7 attack. He raised serious questions about the effectiveness of security deployment in the area, noting that the attack site was barely a kilometer from a CRPF camp.
"How could such a devastating incident occur so close to a security installation?" Singh questioned, expressing deep concern over the apparent security lapse. He also criticized the subsequent firing on protesters, describing it as excessive force that resulted in unnecessary loss of life.
Demands for Accountability and Investigation
Singh called for strict action against those responsible for both the initial attack and the security force response. He specifically demanded a CBI inquiry into both incidents to ensure proper accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
The rally participants echoed these demands, with many expressing frustration over what they perceive as inadequate protection for civilians in conflict-affected areas. The peaceful demonstration served as both a memorial for the victims and a powerful statement calling for:
- Thorough investigation into the militant attack
- Accountability for security force actions
- Enhanced protection for vulnerable communities
- Justice for all victims of the violence
The candlelight rally represents growing community concern about violence in neighboring Manipur and highlights the interconnectedness of security issues across the region. As investigations continue, community leaders emphasize the need for transparent processes and meaningful justice for all affected families.
