Tension and frustration have risen among members of the Naga community after six civilians abducted from Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on May 13 remained in captivity even after four days of protests. According to demonstrators, armed Kuki groups allegedly took 20 Naga civilians hostage during the incident; several were later released but six remain unaccounted for, the protesters say.
The protests, which began on the day of the abduction, continue at Kanglatongbi in Kangpokpi district. They are being organised by the Koubru Range Liangmai Women’s Union, with women leading calls for urgent intervention by both the Centre and the Manipur government to secure the hostages’ safe return.
Demonstrators accuse authorities of failing to act decisively. Protesters say repeated appeals to state and central officials have gone unanswered, fueling anger and fear among families of the abducted. “Since childhood we have been taught that the government is for the people. Yet when we are in need, where has the government gone? Aren’t we citizens of India?” said one protester, Suchitra, while addressing the gathering.
Suchitra appealed directly to the Central government for immediate action, saying families were living in uncertainty and feared for the lives of their relatives. “We don’t know whether our Naga brothers are still alive or not. We need your help,” she said, urging the Manipur government to demonstrate through concrete steps that it can protect civilians amid the state’s ethnic tensions.
She also reiterated that the protesters have been demanding the safe release of those taken from Konsakhul on May 13 and accused the government of not providing any positive response so far. The protesters called on the Chief Minister to take immediate measures for the captives’ rescue.
The abduction and the apparent delay in securing the remaining hostages have deepened concerns over security and inter-community tensions in the region. Protesters warned that public anger is growing and urged prompt government intervention to prevent further escalation.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/we-need-your-help-protests-grow-over-six-abducted-naga-civilians-in-manipur-1393044-2026-05-17?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-05-17 09:33:00
