By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), has given the Manipur government four days to trace six missing Liangmai Naga individuals allegedly abducted by Kuki militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, warning of a boycott if no progress is made.
The warning emerged from an emergency meeting held by the student body on May 24, where members reviewed the security situation in Manipur and discussed the May 13 abduction involving 18 Liangmai Naga people and residents of Leilon Vaiphei village.
According to the organisation, the incident took place near the Leimakhong military area, close to the 57 Mountain Division, during daytime hours.
ANSAM said six of those abducted, including two pastors, have yet to return, and accused the state government of failing to produce tangible results despite repeated appeals, demonstrations and interventions by Naga civil society organisations.
The association has asked the government to establish the whereabouts and condition of the six missing individuals and ensure their safe return within four days from May 29.
It stated that if no meaningful action is taken within the deadline, the Naga community may be urged to withdraw support from the present state government.
Speaking to reporters, ANSAM president Th. Angteshang Maring said the organisation would announce its next steps after the expiry of the deadline.
He said the association is prepared to launch a wider campaign and seek continued backing from Naga communities if the government fails to respond.
ANSAM also indicated that it could call upon Naga legislators supporting the ruling dispensation to reconsider their political support, citing concerns over the safety and welfare of Naga people.
The organisation further questioned the continuation of Nemcha Kipgen in office, alleging a conflict of interest because of her family ties to the head of KNF(P), a Kuki militant group. It also criticised what it described as inadequate action by both the state and central governments against individuals allegedly linked to the abduction.
The association additionally challenged remarks made by Govindas Konthoujam on incidents along the India-Myanmar border, arguing that attacks reported in Naga villages of Kamjong district had not received adequate attention from authorities.
As part of the resolutions adopted at the meeting, ANSAM sought the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for killings involving Naga civilians and church leaders in different parts of Manipur.
It also reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of the SoO agreement with Kuki militant groups, claiming that the arrangement has failed to protect civilians from violence.
The removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from the government was another demand included in the resolutions.
In its final statement, ANSAM urged the Centre and the Manipur government to secure the return of the six missing individuals and improve the situation in the state.