Mass Sit-In Protest in Ukhrul Demands Release of Six Abducted Nagas: Calls for Nemcha Kipgen’s Resignation

UKHRUL: A massive sit-in protest was staged today at the Mini Secretariat in Ukhrul district, expressing deep outrage over the abduction of six Naga civilians by Kuki militants.

The demonstration, held on Wednesday, follows the May 13 abduction of a group of Naga individuals from Leilon Vaiphei Village in Senapati district. While some were previously set free, six men remain in captivity with their whereabouts completely unknown.

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The joint protest was organized under the aegis of the Naga Women’s Union (NWU) and the Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL/Tangkhul Women’s Union). The demonstration drew widespread solidarity and participation from apex regional bodies, including the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long (TNAL/Headman Association), the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS/Student Union), and various local Tangkhul Naga women units.

The crowd called for the immediate resignation of Nemcha Kipgen, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.

The crowd also demanded that the state government Act Fast to save lives, while also directing frustration at security forces to restore basic public trust.

A central point of contention during the protest was the current Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact. Demonstrators vehemently chanted, “Listen to people’s voice! Scrap the SoO!” and demanded the immediate removal of the Suspension of Operation from all Naga-inhabited areas.

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Following the sit-in, the organizing bodies submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, through the Deputy Commissioners of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, demanding immediate state intervention.

The memorandum submitted by TSL President highlighted the deep distress of the community and officially identified the six individuals still being held hostage as:

1. Dr. Rev. Manu Thiumai
2. Pastor Kenpibou Chawang
3. Mr. Dilip Thiumai
4. Mr. Kaliwangbou Abonmai
5. Mr. Phenrongwibou Thiumai
6. Mr. Ch. Phenrilungbou
   Through the memorandum, the TSL and collaborating apex bodies formally demanded that the state government take two immediate actions:
7. Ensure the safe and unconditional release of all six Naga hostages.
8. Immediately arrest and prosecute all individuals and armed groups involved in this criminal act.

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The leadership warned that timely and decisive action by the Chief Minister’s office is imperative to prevent the situation from escalating into further communal tensions and direct confrontations in the region.