The Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) has condemned the alleged use of tear gas and force by security personnel against protesters demanding justice for six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted and killed by suspected Kuki militants.
The organisation said the protesters had gathered to seek action in the case when security personnel allegedly used tear gas to disperse them. Several people were reportedly injured during the incident, including the wife of one of the six victims.
“Demanding justice is not a crime,” the DMCC said while expressing concern over the alleged use of force against people seeking action in connection with the killings.
According to the organisation, the incident took place as the families of the victims continued their demand for justice, 100 days after the six civilians were allegedly killed.
The DMCC criticised the government over what it described as a lack of visible progress in taking action against those suspected to be responsible for the deaths. It said the delay had increased concerns among the families regarding the progress of the investigation and the delivery of justice.
The organisation also raised questions over what it described as a difference in the treatment of civilians and an injured suspected militant.
The DMCC claimed that a suspected Kuki militant who was injured during an earlier clash received medical treatment under security cover, while civilians protesting for justice were allegedly subjected to force.
It said the matter raised concerns about equal treatment under the law and called upon the authorities to address the grievances of the victims’ families.
The DMCC demanded an impartial investigation into the deaths of the six Naga civilians and sought swift legal action against those found responsible.
It also called for an independent inquiry into the alleged use of excessive force during the protest and demanded accountability if any security personnel were found to have acted improperly.
The organisation further sought medical assistance and compensation for those injured during the protest. It also demanded assurances that peaceful protesters would be allowed to exercise their right to demonstrate without being subjected to excessive force.
According to the DMCC, the families of the victims have continued their protest for nearly 60 days, seeking justice and action in connection with the alleged killings.
The organisation urged the government to take immediate steps to address the case, ensure a fair investigation and provide equal treatment to all citizens under the law.
The allegations regarding the killings, the progress of the investigation and the alleged use of force against protesters remain matters of concern for the families and organisations supporting their demand for justice.
