Free abducted Naga men call gets louder
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 19 2026: Various communities, including Meetei, Naga, and Nepali, staged a protest rally today from Makhan Liangmai Village to Namdilung Village along the Imphal-Dimapur Road (National Highway 102), condemning the Government's failure to confirm whether the six Naga men abducted by Kuki militants are dead or alive.

The protest demonstration was organised by the Koubru Range Naga Women Union (KRNWU), along with various civil society organisations (CSOs) and residents of Kanglatongbi and surrounding areas.

Carrying placards and raising slogans, they sought urgent intervention from both the Centre and the State Government to secure the release of the Naga hostages.

Free abducted Naga men call gets louder

Speaking to the media, the protesters questioned why the Centre and the State Government have been unable to inform the public about the civilians in the custody of Kuki militants.

It has been seven days since they were abducted, they said, condemning the Government's response to the hostage crisis.

They said that any delay in rescuing the hostages could escalate tensions and endanger the lives of the abducted civilians.

Saying that the six Naga men were abducted by Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei village, the protesters questioned why the Central security forces have not taken any action so far.

The Central forces cannot fool the people by merely sharing some photos of search operations, they added.

Responding to Kuki Inpi Manipur's claim that the six Naga men are not in their custody, the protesters asked whether the apex body of the Kukis considers the people fools who will believe whatever they say.

The Government has not arrested anyone in connection with the hostage crisis, the protesters pointed out, questioning what hidden agenda the Government might have.

They asked whether the Government is attempting to hide the hostage crisis.

The protesters appealed to the Kuki groups to release the Naga hostages if they are alive, or issue a statement if they have been killed and return the bodies on humanitarian grounds so that their last rites can be performed.

Paonam Sanahanbi, convenor of Thawai Mirel, claimed that the Government of India (GoI) has been scheming to divide Manipur using a proxy army.

She appealed to all indigenous people of Manipur to stand united against the alleged divisive policies of the Government of India.

Warning that Manipur could erupt in a fresh wave of violence if anything happens to the six Naga men held by Kuki militants, she urged the Government to secure their release.