Imphal, May 17: Tension and public anger continued to escalate among members of the Naga community in Manipur as six civilians allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village in Kangpokpi district on May 13 remained missing despite four days of sustained protests and appeals for intervention.
According to protesters, around 20 Naga civilians were allegedly taken hostage by armed Kuki groups during the incident. Although several captives were later released, six individuals remain unaccounted for, deepening anxiety among residents and civil society organisations.
Demonstrations have continued since the abduction, with protesters accusing authorities of failing to take adequate steps to ensure the safe return of those still in captivity. The protest movement at Kanglatongbi in Kangpokpi district is being led by the Koubru Range Liangmai Women’s Union, with women spearheading calls for immediate intervention by both the state and central governments.
Addressing the gathering, a protester identified as Suchitra questioned the response of the authorities and expressed frustration over what she described as the absence of meaningful action despite repeated appeals.
“Since childhood we have been taught that the government is for the people. Yet when we are in need, where has the government gone? Aren’t we citizens of India?” she said.
Appealing directly to the Centre for urgent intervention, she said families of those still missing were living in uncertainty and fear.
“We don’t know whether our Naga brothers are still alive or not. We need your help,” she said.
She also urged the Manipur government to demonstrate through concrete action that civilian safety could be ensured amid continuing ethnic tensions in the state.
“We have been protesting since the day our beloved Naga civilians from Konsakhul were abducted on May 13. Six of them are yet to be released. We have been demanding their safe release, but no positive response has been received from the government,” she said, calling for immediate rescue efforts.
The incident has further intensified concerns surrounding security and inter-community tensions in the region, with protesters warning that public frustration is continuing to grow over the delay in securing the release of the remaining captives.
