Imphal, June 5: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed before the High Court of Manipur on Thursday seeking urgent judicial intervention in connection with the abduction of six Naga civilians allegedly by Kuki armed groups.
The petition was filed by Advocate Mark Khapai, who is also the president of Naga Lawyers’ Association, Manipur, amid growing concern over the fate and whereabouts of the six missing Nagas, whose disappearance has triggered widespread protests and demands for action from Naga civil society organisations, student bodies, and community leaders across the state.
According to the petition, the abduction has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of six hostage civilians and necessitates immediate intervention by the government of Manipur. The PIL seeks directions to the state and central governments, as well as relevant security agencies, to intensify efforts to trace the missing individuals, ascertain their whereabouts, and secure their safe release at the earliest.
The development comes amid escalating public pressure on the government to address the issue. On Wednesday, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), adopted a series of resolutions during an emergency assembly session, including a decision to boycott the Government of Manipur until the fate of the six missing Nagas is established.
Civil society organisations have also intensified their demands for decisive action, maintaining that the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the hostages has deepened anxiety among family members and the wider Naga community.
The matter is expected to come up for consideration before the High Court in the coming days.
Also read Zeliangrong Intellectuals Question Govt, KIM, and Deputy CM Over “Missing” Naga Hostages
In this connection, the Zeliangrong intellectuals under the banner of Luangdimai Sentinel wants accountability from the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Manipur deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen. It said the denial of knowledge regarding the 6 Naga hostages by KIM, the apex body of the Kuki people, does not absolve it of moral or political responsibility. The public has a right to know what efforts have been undertaken to ascertain the whereabouts of the 6 Naga hostages and secure their release.
The Luangdimai Sentinel sought an explanation from the Government of Manipur as to why the 6 Naga men who were taken away from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026 in the presence of their wives, children, and fellow villagers have been described merely as “missing persons” by the Home Secretary, Government of Manipur.
It also may be noted that in contrast to the 14 Kuki civilians currently being held by Naga groups—whose detention has been publicly acknowledged, with Naga organisations stating that food, shelter are being provided—Kuki civil society organisations have consistently denied holding any Naga hostages and maintain that they have no information regarding the whereabouts of the six missing Nagas.
However, in an exclusive video interview recorded by Ukhrul Times, Kachiaklungliu, wife of Dr. Manu who is one of the six missing Naga hostages, stated that her husband was forcibly abducted in her presence. According to her account, Dr. Manu was violently taken away by armed men while she witnessed the incident firsthand.