Imphal, May 21: Families of six Naga men abducted by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district have appealed to the government and armed groups for their safe and immediate release.
The six men were allegedly abducted on May 13 from Kangpokpi district following a deadly ambush at Kotlen. They were reportedly taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei village and were among a group of 18 Naga civilians.
Meanwhile, security forces have launched massive search and rescue operations across Manipur.
According to family members and released captives, the group included women, men and an infant. While all the women hostages and the baby have since been freed, six men remain missing.
One of the released hostages, Dingamliu Abonmai, alleged that the group was intercepted while attempting to enter Leimakhong Konsa Khul near Leilon Vaiphei village.
She claimed they were stopped by armed individuals, including both men and women, before being forced into vehicles and taken away.
On Wednesday (May 20), the Naga Women Union (NWU) of Manipur organised a massive sit-in protest at Tribal Market in New Checkon in Imphal East district, demanding the safe release of the six abducted Naga men allegedly being held hostage by suspected Kuki militants.
The sit-in demonstration was followed by a series of simultaneous protests across several Naga-inhabited districts of Manipur, including Senapati, Noney, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Churachandpur, Chandel and Tamenglong.
