In a distressing development amid the ongoing unrest in Manipur, two Zeliangrong Nagas from Noney district were abducted and subjected to brutal beatings in Moirang under Bishnupur district on Tuesday.
The incident has sparked outrage from Zeliangrong Students’ Union Manipur (ZSUM) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS).
According to ZSUM, the victims, Giangjilung Rongmei (38) from Khoupum Satudai, Noney district, and Jeanguanglung Malangmei (28) from Bitiang village, Noney district, were kidnapped and held hostage at gunpoint by six suspected Arambai Tenggol members.
The incident occurred around 5 pm on Monday, with the victims threatened, beaten severely, and accused of being Kukis. The assailants seized valuables worth Rs 2 lakh, including Rs 21,000 in cash, during the abduction.
The incident took place on the same day when a 19-year-old student from Kamjong district was kidnapped by unidentified men with uniform and was later rescued from Imphal West by Manipur police.
Expressing deep anguish over the incident, ZSUM condemned the brutality and highlighted the lack of a positive response from the government despite appeals to investigate the matter. The student body emphasised that their organization could no longer tolerate such acts.
“We have made several appeals to the government and concern authorities to investigate the matter but there is no positive respond. The situation compels us to take up necessary steps to encounter adversaries to safeguard our integrity, rights, and freedom. We are running out of words to show our discontent therefore, we have no option left to subside and remain silent. While the lawlessness of the State Manipur could lead to further division of the communities in Manipur,” said ZSUM.
The student body urged the state government to urgently reassure the people of their safety and security. “The increase of unchecked armed activism in the state is alarming and letting their free operation in the State cause insecurity of the public. The GoM should take an accountability related to this incident and must compensate victims for the lost as an indemnity,” they said.
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ZSUM also appealed to Naga Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Naga community to stand against the incident, demonstrating unity, solidarity, and strength.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) in Manipur strongly condemned the incident, expressing concern over the physical assault on the two individuals belonging to the Rongmei Naga community. FOCS called for proactive roles from local clubs, Meira Paibis, and CSOs, urging them to educate their volunteers and raise awareness on sensitive issues to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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