Naga body issues 4 day ultimatum to Manipur government over release of six abducted Naga hostages

The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Government of Manipur, demanding the immediate establishment of the whereabouts and safe release of six Liangmai Naga hostages allegedly abducted by Kuki militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.

The decision was taken during an Emergency Presidential Council Meeting of ANSAM, attended by former leaders of the organisation, on May 24. The meeting reviewed the prevailing security situation in Manipur and the abduction of 18 Liangmai Naga individuals and residents of Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. According to ANSAM, the abduction took place in broad daylight near the Leimakhong-based 57 Mountain Division area.

Following deliberations, the association expressed concern over what it described as the State Government's failure to take effective action to trace six of the abducted hostages, including two pastors, despite repeated appeals, public demonstrations and statements by Naga civil society organisations.

ANSAM stated that the Manipur Government has been given four days from May 29 to establish the condition and location of the six hostages and facilitate their return to the Naga community. The organisation warned that failure to do so within the stipulated period would compel Nagas to collectively boycott the present state government.

Addressing the media, ANSAM President Th. Angteshang Maring said that the association would announce further measures if the government fails to respond within the deadline.

"After the four-day ultimatum, we will declare a boycott against the government and we will come up with a line of action, where we will appeal to the Naga people to continue supporting the decision of the association," Maring said.

The association further stated that it may appeal to Naga legislators supporting the current government to withdraw their support in the interest of the security and welfare of the Naga people.

ANSAM also raised concerns regarding the appointment of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging a conflict of interest due to her marital relationship with the chairman of the KNF(P), a Kuki militant group. The organisation questioned both the Central and State Governments over what it described as inadequate action against individuals allegedly linked to the abduction case.

Additionally, the association criticised statements made by Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam regarding incidents along the Indo-Myanmar border, alleging that authorities had failed to acknowledge ground realities related to attacks on Naga villages in Kamjong district earlier this month.

As part of its resolutions, ANSAM demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for a series of killings involving Naga civilians and church leaders in different parts of the state. The association also called for the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement between the Government of India and Kuki militant groups, alleging that the arrangement has failed to prevent violence against civilians.

Among its demands, ANSAM further sought the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office.

The association appealed to the Central and State Governments and all concerned authorities to take urgent measures to secure the release of the hostages and prevent further deterioration of the security situation in Manipur.