Imphal: Protesters gathered across several Naga-inhabited districts in Manipur on May 20 to demand the immediate release of six men held captive for nearly a week. Organized by the Naga Women Union, the demonstrations took place in locations including Senapati, Noney, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tamenglong. A central sit-in at Tribal Market in New Checkon saw crowds holding placards that urged authorities to bring the hostages home safely.
Houreilu Kamei, a speaker at the event, accused the government of failing to act decisively to secure the men. She suggested that the lack of proactive measures from security forces is deeply concerning. Protesters claimed the six men were abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village. Some participants questioned why security forces have not directly interrogated local residents in the area where the abduction occurred to locate the missing individuals.
The current crisis follows a deadly ambush at Kotlen in Kangpokpi district, which resulted in the deaths of three Thadou church leaders. Local sources report that 20 Naga individuals were initially abducted following that violence. While 14 of those people have since been released, the remaining six remain in captivity. Protesters warned that the slow response from officials could escalate regional tensions and further endanger the lives of the hostages.
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