Kangpokpi: Hundreds gathered at Namdilong, Kanglatongbi, for a solidarity protest demanding the release of six Naga civilians held captive by suspected Kuki groups at Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi District since May 13. The event was organized by the Eastern Liangmai Naga Chief Chairman Association, Liangmai Naga Council-Eastern Zone, Koubru Range Liangmei Women’s Union, Liangmei Naga Katinah Raungdhi, and Kanglatongbi civil societies.
The protest saw participation from diverse civil society organizations, including community leaders and members from the Naga, Meitei, and Gorkha communities. The protesters held placards that read, “Human Rights for Every Community,” “Release the Naga Hostages Now,” “Stop Kidnapping Innocent People,” and “Humanity Must Prevail,” among others.
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Speaking at the event, social activist and Chief Advisor to the Indigenous People’s Forum Manipur, Ashang Kasar, stated that justice is universal and expressed strong disappointment over the continued detention of the six hostages. He criticized the government for its alleged negligence and its failure to take adequate measures to secure their release, emphasizing that it is the government’s responsibility to uphold law and safety. He warned that history would judge the actions of the current authorities. He also announced that a joint memorandum on the matter would be submitted to the Governor.
Further, he emphasized that it is the Chief Minister’s duty to support the victims’ families and to communicate the steps being taken for their safety. He cautioned that if the situation escalates and the public retaliates against the Kukis, it could lead to conflict in the region. He labeled the act of holding captives as a terrorist act and questioned the government’s silence on the issue.
Phurailatpam Deban, advisor to the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO), fervently appealed to all parties to release the hostages, highlighting the suffering of the affected families. He expressed a profound inability to comprehend the pain they are experiencing. He also pondered why security forces conducted a recent search-and-rescue operation when the incident had occurred over ten days earlier. Also, he called for unity among all communities to advocate for the survival of indigenous peoples.
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COCOMI spokesperson Shanta Nahakpam questioned why Naga civilians were initially rescued from Churachandpur by security forces and how such an incident of taking hostages could occur despite a heavy security presence, labeling it a design orchestrated by both the Manipur and Indian governments. Nahakpam also noted that COCOMI is the only organization advocating for a bicameral legislature that ensures representation for every community.
Jurist Abonmai, President of the Makhan Kanglatongbi Naga Forum, criticized the Kukis, urging everyone to oppose their expansionist agenda. He called for the abrogation of the SoO agreement, which he claimed is being reinforced by the appointment of Nemcha Kipgen, the wife of Kuki National Front (KNF) leader, as Deputy Chief Minister. He emphasized the urgency of standing united against such actions.
Khiugaliu Marenmei, Speaker of the KRLWU, alleged that the hostages were being held by the villagers of Leilon Vaiphei and were handed over by village women, the village chief Lalboi Vaiphei, and the local village authority. She claimed that the captivity of the civilians, particularly from Konsakhul, was premeditated. Marenmei further questioned the Manipur government’s actions to date and encouraged them to visit Leilon Vaiphei village to apprehend the culprits.
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Moreover, she alleged that a single family holds influence over the state through Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister, and her husband’s involvement in the hostage situation. Marenmei asserted that the indigenous people have awakened too late, stressing that the families of the Konsakhul villagers have endured tremendous pain.
The protesters also shouted various slogans condemning the taking of hostages while demanding their immediate release.