Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: A coalition of civil society organizations in Manipur has issued a strict three-day deadline for the government to secure the release of six Naga hostages. This demand follows a solidarity gathering in Kanglatongbi, where leaders gathered to protest recent acts of aggression against indigenous communities.
The kidnapping incident began on May 13 when eighteen civilians were forcibly taken from Leilon Vaiphei village. Two more individuals were abducted from Sapormeina on May 15. While fourteen people have since been released, six remain in the custody of those the organizations identify as Kuki terrorists. The groups involved in the memorandum include the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation, and several other local councils.
The organizations hold the government accountable for these events and have called for immediate action. Their demands include a full rescue mission for the remaining hostages and the prosecution of those responsible, including the Chief of Leilon Vaiphei village. Furthermore, the groups are urging the government to revoke the Suspension of Operations agreement with the Kuki National Front and to launch intensive security operations in the affected regions.
The civil bodies also called for the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, citing concerns regarding her alleged associations. They emphasized that if the hostages are not returned safely, the government will be held responsible for any ensuing unrest, as they called for the indigenous population to stand together against ongoing violence.
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