Staff Correspondent
JALUKIE, MAY 29 (NPN): More than 2,000 people gathered at Jalukie Town Square on Friday for a public rally organised by the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN), demanding the safe and unconditional release of six Naga civilians allegedly abducted by Kuki militants in Manipur on May 13.
Participants from various Naga tribes carried placards bearing messages such as “Law and justice must prevail”, “Release our brothers now”, and “Government must act now” etc.
A memorandum addressed to Nagaland governor was also submitted through the deputy commissioner, Peren.
Addressing the gathering, Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN) president K. Francis Zeliang said the community remained united in its demand for justice and the immediate release of the abducted civilians. He asserted that innocent civilians should not be used as “bargaining chips” in what he described as a senseless cycle of violence, adding that holding civilians captive amounted to a violation of human rights and humanity.
Zeliang also criticised the alleged inaction of both the Manipur government and the Centre. He said that despite the imposition of President’s Rule and assurances from the Ministry of Home Affairs, armed militant groups continued to operate with impunity.
Delivering a solidarity message, Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organisation (NZPO) president Zandi Domta said 18 Naga villagers from Konsakhul were reportedly abducted at LeilonVaiphei village on May 13. He said 12 of them were later released, while six others continued to remain in captivity.
Domta demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining captives and called for legal action against those responsible. He said continued inaction could weaken public faith in law and justice, and warned that the issue could further escalate tensions beyond Manipur if it was not addressed at the earliest.
Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) general secretary Tadambo also stressed the need for unity among the Zeliangrong people. Zeliang Youth Organisation Nagaland president Ngautube condemned the alleged abduction and urged the community to respond with unity, patience and wisdom.
Zeme Council Nagaland (ZCN) president Asiakpe Ernest Sephe also condemned the alleged abduction and said the victims were ordinary civilians who were returning from a wedding.
He said the incident had caused deep pain and trauma to the families of the victims, and described it as inhumane and unjustifiable.
A family member of one of the abducted persons, Pastor Kenpibou, thanked the gathering for showing solidarity and support during the difficult time.
Solidarity messages were also delivered by leaders of the Liangmai Council Nagaland, Rongmei Council Nagaland, Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland, Zeliang Women Organisation, Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland and Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by ZBN vice president Adaube Hiekha Hau. The invocation was offered by Rev. Dr. Mongzeung Mpom, pastor of Jalukie Town Local Baptist Church. The vote of thanks was proposed by ZBN speaker Nikodim, while the benediction was pronounced by Pastor James Gonmei of SDAC.
It may be mentioned that the memorandum, submitted to Nagaland governor Nand Kishore Yadav, was jointly signed by ZBN president K. Francis Zeliang and general secretary Azubo N. Dominic along with leaders of NZPO, Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN), Liangmai Council Nagaland, Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland, Zeliangrong Students Union Nagaland, Zeliang Youth Organisation Nagaland, Zeme Council Nagaland, Rongmei Council Nagaland, Zeliang Women Organisation Nagaland and Zeliang Students Union Nagaland.