Imphal: The demand for the safe return of six missing Naga men from Konsakhul Naga village intensified on Friday, as thousands of people from different communities across Manipur gathered at Kanglatongbi in Imphal West district.
The protesters demanded the prompt, safe and unconditional release of the six missing civilians within the next three days.
The solidarity protest was organised by the Eastern Liangmai Naga Chief/Chairman Association, Liangmai Naga Council (LNC) Eastern Zone, Koubru Range Liangmai Women Union (KRLWU), LNKR Eastern Zone and Kanglatongbi civil society organisations. The demonstration was held against alleged Kuki militants and residents of Leilon Vaiphei village, who the organisers claimed were holding the six Naga men hostage.
Members of several communities, including Naga tribes, Meitei and Gorkha groups, joined the protest despite unfavourable weather conditions to express solidarity with the families of the missing men. Protesters also urged the authorities to take swift action against those responsible and ensure the immediate rescue of the hostages.
Speakers at the protest included social activist Ashang Kasar, AMUCO advisor Phurailatpam Deban, COCOMI spokesperson Shanta Nahakpam, KRLWU speaker Khiugaliu Marenmai and Makhan Kanglatongbi Naga Forum president Jurist Abonmai. The speakers called for unity among indigenous communities in Manipur and condemned what they described as continued aggression by Kuki militants.
According to the organisers, 14 out of the 20 Naga hostages abducted earlier have been released, while six remain in captivity.
The organisers described the abduction as a pre-planned ambush and a cowardly act of aggression against indigenous communities.
Protesters raised slogans condemning the kidnapping of innocent civilians and carried placards with messages such as “Kidnapping is not justice”, “Say no to abduction and violence”, “United for peace in Manipur”, “End violence against civilians”, “No community should live in fear”, and “Release the Naga hostages now”.
Following the protest, several civil society organisations submitted a joint memorandum to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla outlining their demands.
The memorandum urged the government to rescue the six remaining hostages and ensure their safe return within three days. It stated that if the hostages were found dead, the government should take responsibility for any untoward incidents that might arise in the state.
The organisations also demanded legal action against the chief of Leilon Vaiphei village and others allegedly involved in the incident. They further called for the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with KNF (P) and sought intensive combing operations in Leilon Vaiphei, Kharam Veiphei and nearby areas.
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The memorandum also demanded the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on moral grounds.
The organisations reiterated their resolve to remain united against what they described as repeated aggression and atrocities committed by Kuki militants.
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