Kamei further alleged that the authorities were not acting proactively and termed the lack of urgency in rescuing the abducted civilians as “very unfortunate”
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
Imphal : Protests erupted across several Naga-inhabited districts of Manipur on Wednesday, with demonstrators demanding the safe release of six Naga men who remain in captivity nearly a week after their alleged abduction.
A sit-in protest was organised at Tribal Market in New Checkon, Imphal East, under the aegis of the Naga Women Union. Similar demonstrations were reported from Senapati, Noney, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Churachandpur, Chandel and Tamenglong districts.
A large number of protesters gathered at the Imphal demonstration site carrying placards bearing slogans such as “Human lives, not hostages”, “Bring our people home alive”, “Bring back six hostages safe”, and “Don’t test our patience”.
Speaking at the protest, Houreilu Kamei accused the government of failing to take decisive steps to secure the release of the abducted men, who are suspected to be in the custody of a Kuki militant group.
“We are not satisfied with the manner in which the government is handling the situation despite repeated appeals for their release,” she said.
Kamei further alleged that the authorities were not acting proactively and termed the lack of urgency in rescuing the abducted civilians as “very unfortunate”.
Describing the ongoing crisis in Manipur as a “dark and melancholic phase”, she said such issues should be resolved politically through dialogue.
Another protester alleged that the six men were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13 and questioned the role of central security forces in the rescue efforts.
“The Naga men were picked up from a Kuki area by Kuki people. Why can’t the security forces directly interrogate residents of Leilon Vaiphei village as part of efforts to secure their release?” she asked.
She further warned that delays in rescuing the hostages could escalate tensions and endanger the lives of those still in captivity.
According to local sources, the abduction took place following a deadly ambush at Kotlen in Kangpokpi district in which three Thadou church leaders were killed. Around 20 Naga individuals were reportedly abducted after the incident. While 14 of them have since been released, six are still missing.
