Ukhrul | EKHON: Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Naga women apex body on Wednesday staged sit-in protests demanding the immediate and safe release of six Naga civilians allegedly abducted by Kuki armed militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement at Leilon Vaiphei village in Senapati district on May 13.
The protest programme was organised under the banner of the Naga Women Union, Manipur and witnessed several participation from Tangkhul apex bodies in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, including the Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Wungnao Long, and Tangkhul Katamnao Long along with their respective local units.
Protesters raised slogans such as “Release 6 Naga Hostages,”, “Nemcha Kipken, Resign, Resign,” “Act Fast, Listen to People’s Voices,” and “Remove Suspension of Operations.” Demonstrators also demanded accountability from the state government over the deteriorating law and order situation in the hill districts.
During the protest, community leaders expressed deep concern over the continued detention of the six civilians, whose whereabouts remain unknown more than a week after the abduction.
Speaking to EKHON, Sword Vashum, President of Tangkhul Naga Long (apex body) slams govt inaction on hostage crisis, saying Nagas won’t stoop to Kuki level.
“Nagas won’t respond to Kuki actions, we’re guided by Christian principles and humanity,” Vashum asserts, condemning hostage-taking as “heinous crime” despite provocation. “If they do mischief, I won’t follow suit. We’ll answer to God, not humans.”
Vashum also lashes out at state and central govts: “Shame on them for inaction. If I were CM, I’d resign for failing to protect citizens.” He demands security forces to “mean business” and act neutrally.
Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Shanao Long submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Manipur, expressing “deep distress and concern” over the incident.
In the memorandum, the organisation stated that although some abducted individuals had been released earlier, six persons were still being held captive. The missing individuals were identified as Dr. Rev. Manu Thiumai, Pastor Kenpibou Chawang, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, Phenrongwibou Thiumai and Ch. Phenrilungbou.
The memorandum further demanded that the state government ensure the “safe and immediate release of all the hostages” and initiate the “immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals and groups involved in the criminal act.”
The protestors warned that continued inaction could further erode public trust and intensify tensions in the region. Civil society organisations appealed to both the state and central governments to intervene urgently and restore confidence among the affected communities.
