Naga women demand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 18 2026: A large number of Naga women staged a sit-in protest at Kanglatongbi Bazar today demanding the immediate unconditional release of 6 Naga civilians who have been held captive by alleged Kuki militants since May 13 at Leilon Vaiphei Kuki Village in Kangpokpi district.

The protest was organised by Koubru Range Naga Women's Union, Koubru Range Liangmai Women's Union along with Kanglatongbi Civil Society Organisations and surrounding villages.

The women held placards inscribed with messages such as "Hostages are humans not weapons", "No community should live in fear", "Stop kidnapping innocent people", "Justice, peace and human dignity", "End violence against civilians", "Bring them home safely" and "Let peace speak louder than guns" among others.

Further, they raised slogans condemning the kidnapping of innocent civilians and demanding the State Government to rescue the civilians at the earliest.

The protesters also highlighted the plight of the families of the hostages waiting for their loved ones to return home and questioned how the community is supposed to console them.

They also questioned the lack of action from security forces when thousands of them have been deployed in the State since the eruption of violence in May, 2023 .

The womenfolk have resolved to continue the protest until the six innocent Naga civilians are released.

Comment