Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Over a thousand Naga women staged coordinated demonstrations in Manipur’s Ukhrul, Senapati, and Chandel districts, demanding the immediate rescue of six civilians abducted by armed Kuki miscreants on May 13.
The protesters also called for the revocation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact in Naga-inhabited areas and the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
Frustration with security forces and alleged government inaction has intensified as Naga apex bodies continue efforts to secure the release of the six men held captive for over a week.
Leaders have submitted memorandums to the Manipur Chief Minister, warning of escalating communal tensions if the hostages are not safely returned.
Demonstrators in Ukhrul, Senapati, and Chandel shut down local businesses and marched against the ongoing detention of six Naga civilians by suspected Kuki militants. They urged the state government to act swiftly, arrest the perpetrators, and restore public trust.
The protesters chanted slogans such as “Listen to people’s voice! Scrap the SoO!” and demanded the immediate removal of the Suspension of Operation from all Naga-inhabited areas.
The memorandum submitted by the TSL president highlighted the deep distress of the community and identified the six individuals still being held hostage as Rev. Manu Thiumai, Kenpibou Chawang, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, Phenrongwibou Thiumai, and Ch. Phenrilungbou.
In Senapati district, demonstrators strongly condemned the incident, holding placards and raising slogans such as “Justice is not a negotiation,” “The innocent must walk free,” “Secure the civilians,” and “Truth shall prevail over propaganda.”
They also alleged violations of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, stating that civilians continue to suffer amid ongoing tensions.
Hundreds of Naga women in Chandel on Wednesday held a sit-in protest at the district headquarters.
Organized by the Naga Women Union, Chandel, following a call from the Naga Women’s Union, the sit-in saw participation from representatives of all nine Naga tribes of Chandel under the NWUC, including Anal, Monsang, Moyon, Maring, Lamkang, Chothe, Khoibu, and Tarao.
Led by Tonila Pashel, vice president of the Anal Sinnu Ruwl, the demonstrators demanded the immediate release of the six individuals, as well as justice for (L) Wilson Thanga Chiru.
The protest was jointly organized by various Naga outfits, including the Naga Women’s Union (NWU) and the Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL).
The demonstration also drew widespread solidarity from regional bodies, including the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long (TNAL), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), and various local Tangkhul Naga women’s units.