Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: Hundreds of women gathered at Jadonang Park in Tamenglong district to demand the immediate and safe release of six Naga civilians held hostage since May 13. The protest, organized by the Joint Tribes Women Association under the Naga Women Union, caused a shutdown of businesses and halted local traffic as residents expressed their outrage.
The demonstrators also condemned the alleged killing of Wilson Thanga Chiru, who reportedly died at the hands of Kuki militants on the same day the civilians were abducted. Participants identified the six remaining hostages as Dr. Rev. Manu Thiumai, Kenpibou Chawang, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, Phenrongwibou Thiumai, and Ch. Phenrilungbou. While 14 other individuals were released on May 15, the fate of these six remains uncertain.
Protest leaders accused Semtithang @ Thangboi Kipgen, president of the KNF-P, of orchestrating the abductions and called for his immediate arrest. They also demanded the resignation of his wife, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. The assembly warned that groups such as the Kuki Inpi Manipur and the Kuki Student Organisation would be held accountable for any further escalation between the communities.
Local civil society leaders joined the women to demand that authorities secure the routes currently occupied by militants. The organizers vowed to intensify their agitation if the government fails to address their demands for justice and the safe return of the hostages.
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