Sit-in-Protest Demanding Release of Naga Hostages Held across Naga-inhabited Districts in Manipur

Demanding the release of six individuals from the Naga community who were reportedly abducted by Kuki groups, members of the Naga community in Imphal, Chandel, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, and Noney districts held sit-in protests on Wednesday.

Members of the Naga community, particularly women residing in the valley areas of the state, staged a peaceful sit-in protest and rally at New Checkon in Imphal East under the aegis of the Naga Women Union, demanding the immediate and safe release of six missing Naga individuals allegedly abducted by Kuki militants. They also urged the authorities to take urgent action.

One of the protesters, Dr. Arang, while speaking to the media, expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the action taken by the government so far has been slow.

Stating that ensuring the safety and security of citizens remains the responsibility of the government, she alleged that the six missing persons are in the custody of Kuki militants. She also rejected a statement issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur, claiming that it presented a misleading narrative regarding the incident. Describing the matter as a serious human rights issue, Arang urged the immediate release of the six individuals. She also called upon people across communities, human rights organisations, and concerned citizens to raise their voices against such incidents.

She added that the issue should be approached from a humanitarian perspective rather than through communal divisions.

The Naga Women Union Manipur, Noney District, also organised a protest at Longmai Bazar, the Noney district headquarters, where a rally was also held. The Joint Tribes Women Association of Tamenglong also organised a sit-in protest at Jadonang Park, Tamenglong.

Among other demands, the protesters demanded that Thangboi Kipgen, President of KNF (P) and alleged main culprit behind the incidents, be arrested. They also demanded that Nemcha Kipgen, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur and wife of the alleged culprit, be relieved from office with immediate effect.

The Naga Women Union Chandel (NWUC) staged a sit-in protest at the district headquarters in Chandel, while another sit-in protest was organised at the Mini Secretariat in Ukhrul district.

Leaders of different Tangkhul civil society organisations and student bodies also took part in the protest, and memorandums were submitted to the Deputy Commissioners of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.