Imphal, May 30: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Manipur Government, demanding immediate action to determine the whereabouts and secure the release of six Liangmai Naga hostages allegedly abducted by Kuki militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
The decision was taken during an emergency Presidential Council meeting of ANSAM held on May 24, which was attended by former leaders of the organisation. The meeting reviewed the prevailing security situation in the state and discussed the abduction of 18 Liangmai Naga individuals and residents of Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. According to the association, the abduction took place in broad daylight near the Leimakhong-based 57 Mountain Division area.
ANSAM expressed concern over what it described as the state government’s failure to effectively trace the six remaining hostages, including two pastors, despite repeated appeals, public demonstrations and statements issued by Naga civil society organisations. The association stated that the government has been given four days from May 29 to establish the location and condition of the hostages and facilitate their safe return.
Addressing the media, ANSAM president Th. Angteshang Maring said the association would announce further measures if the government failed to act within the stipulated timeframe. He stated that the organisation would declare a boycott of the present government and appeal to Naga communities to support the decision if no satisfactory response is received.
The student body also indicated that it may urge Naga legislators supporting the current government to withdraw their support, citing concerns over the security and welfare of Naga communities. ANSAM further raised objections to the appointment of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging a conflict of interest because of her marital relationship with the chairman of the KNF(P), a Kuki militant group.
The association criticised statements made by Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam regarding incidents along the Indo-Myanmar border and alleged that authorities had failed to acknowledge realities on the ground, particularly in relation to attacks on Naga villages in Kamjong district earlier this month.
As part of its resolutions, ANSAM demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for a series of killings involving Naga civilians and church leaders in different parts of the state. It also called for the immediate abrogation of the SoO agreement between the Government of India and Kuki militant groups, alleging that the arrangement had failed to prevent violence against civilians.
The organisation additionally sought the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office and appealed to both the Centre and the Manipur Government to take urgent steps to secure the release of the hostages and prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the state.
