Imphal: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has expressed strong outrage over the continued disappearance of six Naga men who were allegedly abducted by suspected Kuki militants at Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13.
According to ANSAM, the six men were among 18 Nagas, including a two-year-old child, who were abducted during the incident. While some of those abducted were later released, the six men remain missing.
The ANSAM criticised the statement released by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), in which KIM claimed to have “no information” about the six missing men. ANSAM described this denial as nothing short of an open challenge and an insult to the Naga people.
“The civilians who were abducted together and later released are living witnesses to the fact that the six Naga men were separated and ordered to be taken elsewhere by the abductors. Therefore, any denial of knowledge is nothing but a deliberate deception,” stated ANSAM.
The Naga student body further demanded that the six abducted Naga men be produced immediately — dead or alive. Their bodies must be released at any cost so that justice and dignity may prevail.
ANSAM also warned that continued silence regarding the fate of the missing six men would only serve to intensify public anger and suspicion.
ANSAM asserted that the Chief of Leilon, Lalboi Vaiphei, and the villagers present during the abduction cannot evade accountability for the incident. The student body emphasised that Thangboi Kipgen, Chairman of the United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) under the Suspension of Operation (SoO), also bears responsibility, as the militant group involved operates under his command.
Furthermore, ANSAM called upon the Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, who is directly connected through her husband’s leadership position, to ensure that accountability is fixed and that immediate measures are taken for the safe release and recovery of the abducted men.
ANSAM called upon the Chief Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, Government of Manipur to look into the matter with utmost seriousness and not remain silent at this critical juncture.
“The State Government must act responsibly to ensure justice, restore public confidence, and prevent further deterioration of the situation,” stated the ANSAM.
ANSAM expressed deep concern over the failure of the Leimakhong Army Camp, one of the largest Army camps in the Northeast and located near the site of the abduction, to prevent or effectively respond to such a grave incident. The student body stated that this failure raises serious suspicion and reinforces the growing perception of step-motherly treatment towards the Nagas by the Indian security establishment.
ANSAM questioned the very purpose of the Army’s deployment if innocent civilians can be abducted and disappear without accountability.
ANSAM issued a strong warning against the ongoing spread of fake propaganda and fabricated narratives by certain Kuki groups and organisations. The student body asserted that such misinformation only escalates tensions and pushes the situation toward further instability and conflict. ANSAM emphasised that the truth cannot be buried under orchestrated misinformation.
Further, ANSAM has called upon the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to take immediate and deliberate action regarding the abduction and disappearance of the Naga men. The student body warned that continued ignorance, silence, or failure to act decisively would constitute a complete failure in fulfilling constitutional, moral, and humanitarian duties towards the affected people. ANSAM reiterated that truth and justice must prevail.
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