KSO Ukhrul Raises Concern Over ANSAM Rally Through Kuki-Zo Areas, Calls for Caution

The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO)-Ukhrul on Thursday clarified that it is not opposed to the proposed rally of the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) from Ukhrul to Imphal, but strongly objected to the mobilisation of participants through the volatile Kuki-Zo inhabited stretches of National Highway-202, particularly the areas of Litan, Sareikhong and Mahadev.

In a statement, KSO-Ukhrul said that amid the ongoing conflict and the reported captivity of 14 Kuki-Zo men, ANSAM's decision to announce the rally before engaging with KSO-GHQ for facilitation reflected poor judgment and a disregard for the prevailing ground realities. The organisation also criticised ANSAM for what it described as selective outrage and its silence regarding the ongoing hostage crisis involving Kuki-Zo individuals.

Expressing concern over public safety and communal harmony, KSO-Ukhrul advised that rally participants be transported across Kuki-Zo inhabited stretches under adequate security arrangements rather than physically marching through the areas. It further urged participants to refrain from sloganeering, provocative actions or any conduct that could inflame tensions.

The Kuki student body cautioned that if such advisories were ignored, responsibility for any untoward incidents would rest solely with the organisers and the concerned government authorities.

Meanwhile, ANSAM had convened an emergency meeting at Ukhrul district headquarters on June 3 following the expiry of its ultimatum to the Government of Manipur and concerned authorities regarding the whereabouts of six Naga hostages.

The association reaffirmed its demand that the state government establish the condition and whereabouts of the six Naga men allegedly abducted on May 13, 2026, at Leilon Vaiphei village by KNF(P) cadres, and ensure their safe return to their families and the Naga community.

As part of its intensified agitation programme, ANSAM resolved to organise a march towards Imphal along NH-202 on June 4. The march is intended to proceed to Makhan village, where participants will meet the families of the six hostages and raise awareness on the issue.

The association also resolved to conduct wider consultations with stakeholders regarding a proposed boycott of the state government and to constitute an action committee comprising former ANSAM leaders to address the prevailing situation in Naga areas.

ANSAM stated that any untoward incident during the democratic march would be the responsibility of the Central and State governments. The organisation reiterated its commitment to pursuing peaceful and democratic means until the six hostages are reunited with their families and justice is delivered to the affected communities.