Naga women seek PM’s intervention for safe release of six abducted men

Newmai News Network
Imphal | May 20

Naga women on Wednesday staged rallies and sit-in protests across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, demanding the safe release of six Nagas allegedly held hostage by Kuki militants and seeking justice for Wilson Thanga, who was allegedly killed by Suspension of Operations (SoO) militant groups.

The protests, organised under the aegis of the Naga Women Union (NWU), were held in Senapati, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Tamenglong, Khoupum, Tamei, Kanglatongbi, Imphal and several other places.

Following the demonstrations, the NWU submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the deputy commissioner of Senapati district, demanding immediate intervention for the “safe release of the six innocent Naga hostages” and calling for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups.

The memorandum alleged that the SoO arrangement had enabled militant groups to “operate like terrorists” and destabilise peace in the region.

“We, as Naga women, have been supporting all forms of peace initiatives and processes but today, we are compelled to demand the abrogation of the SoO agreements with the Kuki militant groups,” the memorandum stated.

The NWU further alleged that a series of incidents and evidence indicated that SoO groups were being allowed to use sophisticated arms “with impunity” to terrorise Nagas, Meiteis and even members of their own community.

The protests come in the wake of the alleged abduction of 20 Nagas on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village area and Sapermeina in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district.

According to the NWU, 18 people were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village area and two others from Sapermeina. Fourteen of them were released a few days later, but the whereabouts of six men remain unknown.

The six missing persons were identified as Rev Dr Manu Thiumai, Pastor Henpibou, Phenrongwibou, Phenringlungbou, Dilip and Kaliwangbou.

In its memorandum, the NWU claimed the abduction took place between 10.30 am and 10.50 am on May 13 and alleged that it was carried out by Kuki militants “in collusion with Lalboi, chief of Leilon Vaiphei village”.

The organisation alleged that surviving victims and co-passengers witnessed the six men being forcibly dragged out of vehicles in front of their wives, children and fellow civilians.

“The entire incident was witnessed by surviving victims and co-passengers who witnessed the six male hostages being violently dragged out of vehicles,” the memorandum stated.

The NWU urged the Prime Minister to order an immediate investigation into the incident and take steps to prevent further escalation of violence in the state.

It also demanded the arrest and prosecution of all individuals and groups allegedly involved in the hostage-taking and killings, welfare and rehabilitation support for released women hostages, and strengthening of state security forces to restore peace and security in affected Naga areas.