Senapati | June 4 | EKHON: The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) on Thursday flagged an escalating pattern of violence and intimidation against Naga minority communities in Manipur’s Leimakhong–Leilon Vaiphei region, releasing a detailed account of recent incidents.
The organization said the area has become a zone of fear and insecurity for Naga villages, with civilians allegedly facing repeated intimidation, physical assaults, abductions, arson and threats. According to the union, the incidents are not isolated but reflect a sustained pattern of violence that has intensified since the Meitei–Kuki conflict broke out in May 2023.
Drawing from first-hand testimonies of victims, village leaders and field visits to affected areas, the NWU claimed that ordinary villagers continue to live under constant anxiety over their safety, homes, land and livelihoods.
The report details a series of incidents between 2023 and 2026, including alleged destruction of civilian property, attacks on village leaders, intimidation of local residents, hostage-taking and killings. Among the cases highlighted were the burning of a Naga widow’s residence in a security zone in June 2023, reported assaults on civilians in Konsakhul village, alleged threats directed at Ireng village, and the reported hostage-taking of 18 civilians in May 2026.
The union also referred to the killing of farmer Wilson Thanga of Dolang village and raised concerns over repeated disappearances in areas linked to the Leimakhong and Jouzangtek range. It said these incidents warrant urgent and comprehensive investigation.
The NWU further expressed anguish over the reported fate of six Naga hostages believed to have been killed, and appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), along with state and central authorities, to urgently establish their status and provide answers to affected families.
In its statement, the organization alleged that certain armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement were involved in several of the incidents and called for an immediate review of the arrangement. The union argued that continued insecurity has created an atmosphere where vulnerable communities feel increasingly exposed and unprotected.
The organization warned that failure to address the allegations with urgency and transparency could deepen mistrust and further strain relations among communities. It urged authorities to ensure accountability, strengthen civilian protection measures and restore confidence among residents of the affected areas.
