UKHRUL: The Naga People’s Front (NPF), Manipur State Unit, has strongly condemned the press statement issued by the Kuki civil societies regarding the abducted Naga civilians. In a press release published in the Sangai Express on May 26, 2026, captioned “No knowledge of abducted Naga men,” the civil societies claimed they were unaware of the six Naga civilians who were reportedly abducted in May 2026 from Leilon Vaiphei village. The NPF has also placed several key demands regarding the six Naga hostages held by suspected Kuki groups.
In a statement released today, NPF MSU President Awangbow Abonmai described the Kuki civil societies’ claims as deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and contrary to the principles of humanity and truth. “If they acknowledge knowledge of the 12+2 innocent civilians who were abducted together and later released, then how can they claim not to know the six Naga brothers who were taken alongside them and remain in the abductor’s custody to this day? This contradiction raises serious questions and deepens the pain and suspicion surrounding the entire incident,” he stated.
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The NPF Manipur State Unit further asserted that on that fateful day, innocent Naga civilians—including husbands, wives, and a child—were forcibly abducted together. They emphasized that this allegation is not based on rumors or assumptions but rather on the testimonies of the wives and family members of those abducted alongside their husbands. These women were later released on May 15, 2026, after being held captive, while their husbands and others remain with the abductors.
Additionally, the NPF questioned, “How can there be ‘no knowledge’ when living witnesses themselves survived the abduction? The victims who survived have clearly testified about who abducted them, where they were taken from, and under whose custody they were separated from their loved ones. The released wives are living witnesses. Public denial statements cannot erase their pain, trauma, and testimonies. Truth cannot be hidden behind silence or misleading narratives.”
The NPF named the women who were abducted with their husbands and later released as Kachiaklung Thiumai, wife of Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai; Winiliu Thiumai and daughter Sarah Thiumai, wife and daughter of Dilip Thiumai; and Wibonliu Chawang, wife of Phenrilungbou Chawang. These individuals stand as living testimonies to what happened.
The NPF also raised the question: if the Kuki CSOs claim they do not know the situation, then who abducted these innocent men? Who separated husbands from their wives? Who released the women on May 15 while continuing to keep the men detained? How can an abduction occur in broad daylight and yet nobody claims to know anything? Why has there been no concrete effort to reveal the men’s whereabouts?
The NPF identified the abducted Naga men as Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Phenrilungbou Chawang, Pherongwibou Thiumai, Kenpibou Chawang, and Liwangbou Abonmai.
“The continued denial, despite eyewitness testimonies, only raises deeper concern, suspicion, and pain among the Naga people. The community has shown immense restraint despite emotional suffering and growing anger. However, restraint must never be mistaken for weakness. Continued silence and denial only deepen mistrust and further endanger peace between communities,” the NPF Manipur State Unit stated. They firmly affirmed that truth cannot be obscured by public denial and that the families of the six men deserve answers. “The people deserve the truth. Humanity demands accountability,” they said, placing the following demands:
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1. Immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of the six abducted Naga brothers.
2. Safe and unconditional return of the abducted men without further delay.
3. Accountability for those responsible for this inhumane act.
“The Naga people have shown patience and restraint despite immense pain and provocation. However, silence and denial cannot erase the cries of grieving families. Until the truth is revealed, the NPF, MSU will continue to stand with the affected families and the Naga people in unity, solidarity, and justice,” the NPF asserted.