Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Thousands of women organized sit-in demonstrations across several Naga-dominated districts in Manipur on Wednesday to demand the immediate release of six men. Protests took place in Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, and Noney, where demonstrators urged the central government to intervene and ensure the safe return of the captives.
In the Senapati district, the demonstrations led to a complete shutdown of local markets and commercial transport. Participants carried signs condemning the kidnappings and calling for the culprits to be held accountable for their actions.
Priscilla Thiumai, president of the Naga Women’s Union, directed a formal appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She characterized the actions of the militants as a breach of the Suspension of Operations pact and requested that the government scrap the agreement entirely. She argued that the frequency of such kidnappings is no longer acceptable.
The current crisis follows a mass abduction on May 13, when armed groups seized more than 38 people in the Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. This incident occurred shortly after three church leaders were killed in an ambush. While 31 hostages have since been released, the location of the remaining six Naga men remains a mystery.
The situation remains volatile as Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex Kuki tribal organization, claims that 14 members of their own community are still being held by Naga groups. These competing claims highlight the deep tensions and the complex security challenges currently facing the region.
Comments