Imphal, May 20: A sit-in protest demanding the safe release of six abducted Naga men was held at Tribal Market in New Checkon, Imphal East, on May 20 under the banner of the Naga Women Union, as public concern continued to intensify over the fate of those still in captivity.
Demonstrations were also reported from several Naga-inhabited districts across Manipur, including Senapati, Noney, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Churachandpur, Chandel and Tamenglong.
Large numbers of protesters assembled at the demonstration venue in Imphal East, expressing frustration over the continued detention of the six men nearly a week after the reported abduction. Participants carried placards with messages including “Human lives, not hostages”, “Bring our people home alive”, “Bring back six hostages safe” and “Don’t test our patience”.
Addressing the gathering, Houreilu Kamei criticised the government’s response, alleging inadequate action towards securing the release of the abducted men, who she claimed were being held by a suspected Kuki militant group.
She stated that repeated appeals had been made but expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation, alleging that authorities had not shown sufficient urgency. Kamei also described the current atmosphere in Manipur as a “dark and melancholic phase” and called for the issue to be resolved politically through dialogue.
Another protester alleged that the six men had been abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13 and questioned why security agencies had not taken stronger steps to investigate the incident.
The protester claimed that delays in efforts to secure the release of the abducted men could further worsen tensions and increase risks to those still being held.
According to local accounts, the abduction reportedly occurred following a deadly ambush at Kotlen in which three Thadou church leaders were killed. Sources indicated that 20 Naga individuals were allegedly abducted after the incident. While 14 of them have reportedly been released, six remain unaccounted for.
