Rally demands justice in Kailenjang killing
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, October 02 2026: A large number of people today took out protest rally at Senapati demanding justice for three Nagas shot dead at Kailenjang on September 26, 2026 .

The rally was organised by the Naga People's Organisation (NPO) and it was participated by representatives of civil society organisations from different Naga tribes.

The protesters marched from Senapati Traffic Point to Forest Gate, Rikhumai Taphou, before returning to the Traffic Point, where a public programme was held.

Representatives of the victims' families, tribal bodies, women's organisations, student bodies and Church leaders took part in the programme.

Rally demands justice in Kailenjang killing

A representative of the victims' families said the three deceased were "sons, brothers, friends and colleagues" who did not return home to their families.

The representative said that Rocky was resting, Kumar was talking to his brother and Ashiho Sani was in the kitchen when the incident took place, terming the incident as not a clash nor an accident but a cold-blooded murder.

"We stand not for hatred but for justice, not for revenge but for accountability," the representative said.

A Saloni Tony, president, Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) in his speech assured that the office of the SDSA will not remain a mute spectator but will remain firm until justice is delivered to the three victims.

If justice is not delivered at the earliest, the SDSA president warned that they might be compelled to take recourse to all kinds of protest.

The Naga Women's Union called for a swift, impartial and transparent investigation.

According to the NPO, the incident took place between 2.30 pm and 3 pm on September 26 .

The NPO also submitted a nine-point charter of demands to the Government which are;
Constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of a senior police officer not below the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP) .

The investigation should be completed within 30 days from the constitution of the SIT, with the charge-sheet filed before the competent Court within 45 days, subject to applicable law and judicial requirements.

An interim status report may be provided to the victims' families and the Naga People's Organisation within 15 days of the constitution of the SIT, to the extent permissible under law.

The Government of Manipur should immediately sanction and disburse ex-gratia assistance of not less than Rs 10 lakh each to the next of kin of the three deceased victims.

Adequate medical assistance and necessary financial relief should be provided to Adani Manio, the surviving injured victim, who is presently undergoing treatment.

Necessary assistance should be provided to the bereaved families towards burial and customary rites.

Provide compassionate appointment to an eligible next of kin and educational assistance for dependent children, in accordance with applicable rules and schemes.

The State Government should immediately strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable Naga villages along the Senapati-Kangpokpi border, including effective patrolling, area domination and protection of civilian habitations.

The Government should ensure that armed cadres, or any other armed elements, do not operate in a manner that endangers civilian lives or facilitates attacks upon civilian habitations, and necessary action should be taken in accordance with law wherever such activities are found.

As Government offices remained closed on account of Gandhi Jayanti, a delegation of the NPO along with the tribe presidents went to the Deputy Commissioner's residence and submitted the memorandum.

Similar copies have been addressed to the Governor of Manipur, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Home Minister of Manipur, the Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, the Director General of Police, Manipur and the Superintendent of Police, Senapati District.

The NPO also sought a written response from the State Government within seven days and said further democratic agitation may follow if the demands are not addressed.