Nagas come as one to demand release of abducted men
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 20 2026: Heeding the call of Naga Women Union, Nagas in thousands across districts held protest demonstrations demanding immediate and safe release of six Naga men in custody of Kukis.

Womenfolk largely took part in the demonstrations held across Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, Senapati, Tamenglong, Chandel, Imphal and other Naga-inhabited areas.

Notably, the protest call was issued by the NWU yesterday amid Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) denying taking the six Naga men hostage.

Notably, 18 naga individuals were taken hostage on May 13 at Leilon Vaiphei village.

Nagas come as one to demand release of abducted men

While 12 (women and children) were released a day later, the whereabouts and conditions of the six men have remained unknown till today.

Senapati

Hundreds took to the streets in Senapati under the Senapati District Women Association (SDWA), and held a massive sit-in at the traffic point in the heart of Senapati town.

Ch Priscilla Thiumai, president Naga Women Union and members of the Maram Women Union, Zeliangrong Women Union Senapati Zone, Senapati District Women Union and many other organisations and Church leaders took part in the demonstration.

The protesters marched to the Mini Secretariat and submitted a memorandum, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra, to the Deputy Commissioner.

The memorandum urged the PM for his intervention and the Government to immediately release the six Naga hostages.

It said the six men were taken hostage along with their wives and family members who were released a day later.

The memorandum also demanded justice for Wilson Thanga, killed in an ambush carried out by suspected SoO Kuki militants on May 13 .

It stressed that continued aggressions by Kuki militants has left Manipur in turmoil.

The memorandum urged the Prime Minister to abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, asserting that the pact has allowed the Kuki militants to operate like terrorists in the land and rob people of hard-earned peace.

The SoO agreement has given Kuki militants license to use sophisticated arms and weapons with impunity to terrorize not only the Nagas but the Meiteis and their own public too, said the memorandum.

It also sought the Government to strengthen the State security forces to secure the citizens of Manipur and restore normalcy and peace.

It also urged the Government to prosecute Lalboy Vaiphei, the chief of Leilon village and all individuals, militant groups, and abettors involved in the hostage-taking.

Noney

Noney district too woke up to a massive protest demonstration, spearheaded by the Noney unit of the Naga Women's Union.

Hundreds of people, largely womenfolk, gathered at Longmai Bazar, demanding immediate and unconditional release of the six Liangmai Naga hostages.

The protesters held placards bearing slogans such as "Release the Naga Hostages Now," "Stop Terror Activities," "Bring Our People Home Alive," and "Save the Innocent Lives" .

The women leaders at the protest appealed to Kuki CSO leaders and Kuki Inpi Manipur to facilitate the safe release of the six Naga hostages.

"In the name of Christ, as we are all Christian brothers and sisters, we request the safe release of the six innocent Naga brothers, better late than never" .

The women leaders further urged the Government to take immediate and decisive action to rescue the abducted persons without further delay.

Similar sit-in protests were also held at Khoupum Valley in Noney district and at the Tamenglong District Headquarters.

Hundreds of women participated in the demonstrations across the districts.

RBCC appeals

The Rongmei Baptist Churches Council has meanwhile appealed to all groups concerned to safely release all hostages.

"Let this act not be misunderstood as a sign of weakness, intimidation, or compulsion under any circumstance.

Rather, let it stand as a testimony of moral strength and spiritual conviction that as believers in God, we are ultimately accountable to Him for every single soul," said the council.

Choosing to release the hostages is an affirmation that "we value life as sacred and entrusted to us by the Almighty." It demonstrates that "we are guided not by fear or violence, but by faith, compassion, and the consciousness of divine accountability," it said.

"We continue to pray that God's peace, wisdom, and justice will prevail, and that reconciliation and healing will come to our land.

May God guide us all," said the council.