Manipur: Protest march begins to demand safe return of six Naga hostages

The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) on June 4 launched a march from Ukhrul district towards Makhan Naga Village in Kangpokpi district via Imphal to meet the families of six Naga hostages allegedly abducted by armed militants on May 13.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the march, ANSAM leaders said the initiative was aimed at expressing solidarity with the families of the six abducted persons and pressing the authorities to expedite efforts for their safe return.

The apex Naga students' body stated that despite repeated appeals and the expiry of an ultimatum issued to the Manipur government and concerned authorities, no concrete information regarding the safety, whereabouts or status of the six hostages has been made available.

ANSAM further warned that the Government of Manipur and the Government of India would be held responsible for any untoward incident occurring during the course of the march along the Ukhrul-Imphal National Highway.

The protest march follows resolutions adopted during an emergency assembly convened by ANSAM at Ukhrul district headquarters on June 3. The meeting, hosted by Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), reviewed the prevailing situation surrounding the abduction case and expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in tracing the hostages.

According to ANSAM, the assembly observed that the continued uncertainty had caused immense distress to the families of the abducted individuals and the Naga community at large.

As part of its intensified agitation programme, the association resolved to undertake the march along NH-202 to Makhan village and meet the affected families. The organisation has also indicated that further democratic protest measures may be adopted if authorities fail to provide information on the hostages.

The six Naga men were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, and their whereabouts remain unknown. The incident has triggered widespread concern among Naga civil society organisations, which have been demanding urgent intervention by the state and central governments.