Bring abducted Naga hostages home, demands Zeliangrong CSOs

Morung Express News 
Jalukie | May 29

Zeliangrong civil society organisations submitted a joint representation to the Nagaland Governor demanding the safe release of six abducted Rongmei men and the arrest of their perpetrators. The representation was submitted through the Deputy Commissioner, Peren, following a public rally in Jalukie on May 29. The rally was organised by the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland. 

The representation sought the Governor’s intervention regarding the kidnapping and abduction of 18 civilians, including women and a minor, on May 13 in Kangpokpi district, Manipur. According to the memorandum, 11 women and one child were released on May 15. The status of the remaining six men identified as Rev Manu, Pastor Kenpibou, Phenrongwibou, Phenrilungbou, Dilip, and Kaliwangbou from Konsakhul village, has since remained unclear.  

The representation was jointly submitted by the Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation, Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland, Zeliangrong Baudi-Assam, Manipur, Nagaland (ZB-AMN), Zeme Council Nagaland, Liangmai Council Nagaland, Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN), Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland (ZMON), Zeliang Women Organisation Nagaland, Zeliangrong Students Union Nagaland, Zeliang Students Union Nagaland, and Zeliang Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON). 

The organisations demanded the arrest, and interrogation of Leilon Vaiphei village chief and other individuals accused of colluding with the National Kuki Front-P to carry out the kidnapping and abduction. They also demanded the withdrawal of the Suspension of Operation agreement and the protection of the victims' rights. They said that 17 days had passed since the 6 men went missing, causing trauma for the families.

Leaders of various Zeliangrong organisations addressed the gathering. While the speakers fervently appealed for government intervention to ensure the safe release of the hostages, solidarity resonated the rally and the rejection of retaliatory violence against the abduction. 

“This is not only the speculation of unity, this is an action of unity,” said Tadambo Newmai, General Secretary of the Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN). Emphasising the strength of unity, he added, “We don't have any colors of organization or factionalism. When difficulty comes, nobody will identify your colors, but we are one. Now we are facing physical challenges against our community... whatever happens, if our community gives one word, we will always stand together.” 

Akhu Gangmei Naga, President of the Rongmei Council Nagaland, described the incident as an attack on humanity. “We appeal to all concerned and responsible authorities to take immediate and sincere steps to ensure the safe and unconditional release of the six abducted brothers," he said. Stressing solidarity, he said, “Zeliangrong unity is a necessity... it is not an option.” 

The President of the Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland, Apeuna Iheilung condemned the violence, stating, “Taking hostages, kidnapping and killing innocent people is not the solution.” She added, “We demand that everyone get the right to live safely, freely and with respect... We are here to choose peace over war.”

Ngautube Chamlak, President of the Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland, reinforced the demands for justice. “No society can move forward through fear, violence or intimidation,” Chamlak said.

He asserted that the Zeliangrong must stand shoulder to shoulder regardless of tribe, region or denomination “because an injury to one Zeliangrong is an injury to all Ziliangrong.”

A relative of one of the hostages spoke about the ordeal the families are going through. The aunty of Pastor Kenpibou said, “At home, I would constantly cry... I cannot even bear to look at their pictures.” She acknowledged the turnout and the public outpouring of solidarity. “Seeing all of you come here... seeing that the hearts of our Zeliangrong people are united, I have found great strength,” she said.