Families Appeal for Release of Six Men Abducted in Manipur

Imphal: Families of six Naga men are pleading for their immediate release after they were taken hostage by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. The men were among 18 civilians abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13 following an ambush at Kotlen. While the women and an infant held in the group have since been released, the six men remain in captivity, leaving their families in a state of growing distress.

Released hostage Dingamliu Abonmai described the frightening encounter, stating that their group was intercepted while attempting to reach a nearby village. According to her, the group was surrounded by about 40 individuals in civilian clothes before armed men in camouflage uniforms arrived. She identified these armed men as members of the KNF. The captives were then separated by gender, blindfolded, and taken into forested areas where they endured mental distress.

The ordeal has placed an immense burden on the victims' families. One relative noted that a one-month-old infant is now growing up without the support of a father who remains in custody. Released hostages have urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the missing men. The families are now calling on both state and central government officials to intervene immediately to end the standoff and ensure the captives are returned home safely.