A procession led by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) marched along the Ukhrul-Imphal National Highway today in support of the families of six Naga men who were allegedly abducted more than three weeks ago. The march also demanded their immediate and safe return.
The protest highlights growing anger over the handling of the case and raises concerns about increasing tensions among communities in Manipur.
The abduction took place on May 13 in Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district. According to accounts from released hostages and Naga organizations, around 18 Naga civilians from Konsakhul and nearby areas, including women, a child and six men, were taken during heightened violence following the ambush killing of three church leaders.
While 12 women and others were later released, the six men, including two pastors, remain missing. Naga groups, citing eyewitness testimonies, have alleged the involvement of Kuki armed militants, specifically elements linked to the Kuki National Front (Presidential) or KNF(P), which operates under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Centre.
Addressing the media during the march, ANSAM leaders expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in the case.
“Despite repeated appeals and the expiry of our ultimatum, no concrete information on the safety, whereabouts, or status of the six hostages has been provided,” they stated.
The students’ body warned that the Manipur government and the Government of India would be held responsible for any untoward incidents during the protest. The marchers plan to travel to Makhan Naga Village to meet the affected families.
The protest follows an emergency assembly convened by ANSAM on June 3 at Ukhrul district headquarters and hosted by the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong. The meeting reviewed the unresolved case and decided to intensify democratic agitations, including broader consultations on a possible boycott of the state government. ANSAM also proposed the formation of an action committee comprising former leaders.
Meanwhile, the Manipur High Court has intervened in the matter. On June 4, the court directed the state government to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) by Monday in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Naga Lawyers’ Association.
Advocate D. Jilius Riamei informed the court that the case had reportedly been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). However, the Deputy Solicitor General clarified that the NIA had not received any official communication regarding the matter. The development has raised concerns over coordination between state and central agencies.
Security forces have arrested four individuals suspected of links to village volunteer groups in connection with the abduction. However, the six hostages have not yet been traced. The government led by Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is facing increasing pressure over the issue.
The crisis comes against the backdrop of Manipur’s complex ethnic landscape. Meiteis are concentrated in the valley, while Naga and Kuki-Zo communities mainly inhabit the hills. The Meitei-Kuki violence that began in 2023 displaced tens of thousands of people and claimed hundreds of lives.
Naga-Kuki tensions, rooted in clashes during the 1990s, have resurfaced amid disputes over land, resources and political influence. The May 13 incident followed reports of ambushes and retaliatory abductions. Some Kuki civilians were reportedly detained by Naga groups in response, with partial releases taking place on both sides.
Kuki organizations have denied systematic involvement, but accusations from both sides continue. Naga civil society groups, including the United Naga Council (UNC), have submitted memoranda to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the issue as a threat to frontier security and referring to the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement.
There has been concerns over the functioning of SoO groups, alleged cross-border elements from Myanmar and the slow pace of reconciliation efforts. Demands for separate administrations and the creation of buffer zones have reflected increasingly hardened positions. The participation of students and women in the protests has also highlighted widespread public concern.
Although the ANSAM march has remained peaceful, concerns remain over possible disruptions along the sensitive highway route. Some Zeliangrong areas have already reported indefinite shutdowns. Naga legislators are also facing pressure to withdraw support from the government if the demands remain unresolved.
The hostage crisis is being seen as a major test for Manipur’s new administration and for the Centre’s efforts to manage multiple insurgent ceasefire arrangements. Observers warn that failure to secure the release of the six men could deepen the Naga-Kuki divide and complicate wider peace efforts in the Northeast.
As the protesters move forward with their campaign, families in Makhan village continue to wait for answers about their missing relatives. The case has become a symbol of the broader challenges facing Manipur as it struggles to address long-standing ethnic tensions and restore normalcy.