Imphal: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has announced a march from Ukhrul to Imphal along National Highway-202 on Thursday to protest the alleged abduction of six Naga men by a Kuki militant group.
The decision was taken during an emergency assembly held at the Ukhrul district headquarters on Wednesday after the expiry of an ultimatum issued by ANSAM to the state government and the Centre seeking information on the whereabouts of the six abducted men.
Hosted by the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), the assembly reviewed the prevailing situation in Manipur, with particular focus on Naga-inhabited areas.
In a statement, ANSAM said the assembly noted with “profound disappointment” that despite the lapse of the deadline, no concrete information regarding the safety, whereabouts or status of the six hostages had been made available to their families or the Naga community.
The Association said the prolonged silence and lack of visible progress had deepened anxiety among the victims’ families and the Naga people.
The assembly reaffirmed the decision taken earlier by the emergency presidential council, demanding that the state government and the Centre ascertain the condition and location of the six Naga men allegedly abducted on May 13, 2026, at Leilon Vaiphei village by cadres of the KNF (P), and facilitate their safe return to their families.
As part of its agitation programme, ANSAM resolved to intensify democratic protests beginning with a march from Ukhrul to Imphal along NH-202 on June 4. During the march, members of the Association will also visit Makhan village to meet the families of the six abducted men.
The Association warned that any untoward incident occurring during the democratic march along the Imphal–Ukhrul road would be the sole responsibility of the state and central governments.
The assembly also discussed the need for greater inclusiveness within the Naga community amid the ongoing crisis. It observed that the presidential council’s decision to boycott the state government required wider consultation to ensure effective implementation.
To this end, the house empowered the ANSAM Executive Council and its constituent units to hold intensive consultations with stakeholders across the community.
The assembly further resolved to constitute an action committee to address the current situation in Naga areas. The committee will be formed by the Executive Council and will include former ANSAM leaders as members.
Reiterating its commitment to democratic and peaceful means of protest, ANSAM said it would continue its agitation until justice is delivered and the six abducted men are reunited with their families.
“The suffering of the families of the hostages cannot be ignored, and every possible effort must be made to secure their safe return,” the Association said.
Also Read: Explained: How Buddhist nationalism enabled repression in post-coup Myanmar