IMPHAL, MAY 20: Naga women staged rallies and sit-in protests across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur and in Imphal on Wednesday, demanding the safe release of six Nagas allegedly held hostage by Kuki militants and justice for Wilson Thanga, who was killed on May 13.
The protests, organised under the aegis of the Naga Women Union (NWU), were held in Senapati, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Tamenglong, Khoupum, Tamei, Kanglatongbi, Imphal and several other places, Newmai News Network reported.
Following the demonstrations, NWU submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the deputy commissioner of Senapati, demanding the “safe release of the six innocent Naga hostages” and abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.
NWU stated that 20 Nagas were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village area and Sapermeina in Kangpokpi district on May 13. While 14 were later released, the whereabouts of six others remained unknown. The missing persons were identified as Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Pastor Henpibou, Phenrongwibou, Phenringlungbou, Dilip and Kaliwangbou. In its memorandum, NWU said it had supported peace initiatives over the years but was now compelled to demand abrogation of the SoO agreement, alleging that it had enabled Kuki militants to “operate like terrorists”.
The union urged the Prime Minister to ensure immediate release and safety of the hostages, arrest and prosecute those involved in the hostage-taking and killings, rehabilitate released women hostages, and strengthen state forces to restore peace in affected Naga areas.
Referring to the May 13 incident, NWU alleged that the abduction of 18 Naga civilians, including women, a minor child and pastors, at Leilon Vaiphei village was carried out by Kuki militants “in collusion with chief of Leilon Vaiphei village”.
