Imphal, May 25: Thousands of people belonging to Naga and Meitei communities staged a large protest rally in Imphal on Monday, demanding the immediate rescue of six Naga civilians who are allegedly being held hostage for more than a week.
The demonstration, organised by the Naga People’s Union (NPU) Imphal, began at Tribal Market and moved towards the Chief Minister’s Secretariat where protesters intended to submit a memorandum to the state government. Security personnel, however, stopped the march at Palace Compound near the Thangal General statue. Subsequently, six representatives from NPU Imphal were permitted to proceed and submit the memorandum to the Chief Minister.
People from different indigenous Naga and Meitei communities participated in the rally, many arriving in traditional attire. Security arrangements were tightened in the area, with large numbers of state and central forces deployed to prevent any law and order issues.
Protesters remained assembled at Palace Compound while awaiting the return of the delegation. Demonstrators raised slogans calling for the immediate release of the alleged hostages and urged authorities to take stronger action against armed groups believed to be connected to the incident.
Speaking to reporters during the protest, the Secretary of NPU Imphal said six Naga civilians allegedly held by Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei had not yet been freed despite more than a week passing since the incident. He said the issue had caused deep concern among indigenous communities and described the protest as a peaceful democratic effort seeking decisive government intervention.
The organisation also stated that several civil society groups had already submitted representations on the issue and warned that the movement could intensify if authorities failed to act within a given timeframe.
Protesters further demanded stronger government measures to ensure civilian safety, deliver justice and curb continuing violence affecting local communities. Demonstrators also raised concerns regarding the Suspension of Operations agreement, criticised the role of security forces and questioned the appointment of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
Among those addressing the gathering, Ashune Enah said prolonged conflict in Manipur had deeply affected people over the last three years and stressed that citizens no longer wanted to live amid continuing unrest.
Another participant, identified as Th Paorei, appealed for the immediate release of the hostages and accused Kuki groups of denying custody of the civilians. He said the situation had caused emotional distress among families and communities and urged the government to take urgent steps to prevent the crisis from escalating further.
Participants maintained that the protest represented a call for peace while urging authorities to ensure the safe return of the alleged hostages.
