Imphal, July 14 -- Hundreds of Kuki-Zo residents staged a protest rally in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Tuesday, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of three community leaders arrested following the July 11 unrest at Leimakhong.

The rally, organised by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), began at Nute Kailhang in Kangpokpi and proceeded along National Highway-2 to Brig. M. Thomas Ground. Protesters carried placards and raised slogans demanding the release of the detained leaders and condemning what they termed "selective justice".

The demonstrators were protesting the arrests of Hengjang village chief K. Lhouvum, Ngamboi Haokip and Pagin Hangshing, who were taken into custody following the July 11 incident.

Following...