Imphal :  Thousands of people from Naga and Meitei communities staged a joint protest rally in Imphal on Monday, demanding the immediate rescue of six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted and have reportedly remained in captivity for more than a week.

The protest was organised under the banner of the Naga People’s Union Imphal and witnessed participation from various indigenous Naga and Meitei groups, many of whom wore traditional attire during the demonstration.

The rally began from Tribal Market in Imphal and proceeded towards the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where protesters intended to submit a memorandum to the state government.

However, security personnel stopped the procession at Palace Compound near the Thangal General Statue. Later, six representatives of the Naga People’s Union Imphal were allowed to meet Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and submit their memorandum.

A large contingent of central and state security forces was deployed in the area to maintain law and order during the protest.

Demonstrators remained gathered at Palace Compound until the representatives returned from the Secretariat. Protesters raised slogans demanding the immediate rescue of the six civilians and stronger action against armed groups allegedly involved in the incident.

Addressing the media, a secretary of the Naga People’s Union Imphal alleged that the six civilians were being held captive by Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei and had not been released despite more than a week having passed.

He said the incident had caused deep concern among indigenous communities and described the protest as a peaceful democratic movement seeking urgent government intervention for the safe release of the hostages.

The NPU representative stated that several civil society organisations had already submitted memorandums to the government over the issue and warned that the agitation would intensify if authorities failed to act within a stipulated period.

The protesters also demanded stronger measures to protect civilians, ensure justice and curb violence affecting local communities.

During the protest, some demonstrators questioned the appointment of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and criticised the Suspension of Operations agreement as well as the role of central security forces.

One of the speakers, Ashune Enah, said Manipur had been witnessing prolonged conflict over the past three years, affecting all sections of society. She said the public no longer wanted to continue living under such conditions and reiterated the demand for the immediate rescue of the six civilians.

Another protester, identified as Th Paorei, appealed for the release of the hostages and criticised Kuki groups for allegedly denying that the captives were in their custody.

“I feel like they are playing with the lives and emotions of the families and the Naga people,” he said. Paorei further alleged that the hostages had remained captive for nearly two weeks and urged the