Guwahati: Multiple mass protests erupted across Manipur's hill districts on Wednesday, with both Naga and Kuki-Zo communities demanding the immediate and safe release of their members. Naga groups reported that six men abducted on May 13 by Kuki-Zo armed groups remain untraced, while the Kuki-Zo community stated that 14 people, including three students, are still in the custody of Naga armed groups.
Security Forces Intensify Search Operations
Security forces continued search operations in Kangpokpi district to trace the missing civilians. Police confirmed that sniffer dogs have been deployed as combing operations continue in the ranges surrounding Leilon Vaiphei, Songtun, Khunkho, and P Molding villages. The crackdown follows the abduction of over 38 people from both communities on May 13, hours after three leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India were gunned down in an ambush in Kangpokpi. On May 14, both groups released 14 captives each.
Women-Led Protests in Tamenglong, Ukhrul, and Chandel
In Tamenglong, hundreds of women gathered at Jadonang Park under the banner of the Joint Tribes Women Association (JTWA), condemning the kidnappings and calling for justice for Wilson Thanga, a Chiru Naga killed on May 13 in Noney district. Shops downed shutters and traffic came to a halt during the demonstration. Similar sit-ins were held in Ukhrul and Chandel, where women from all nine Naga tribes joined protests led by the Naga Women's Union.
Kuki Groups Stage Parallel Protests
The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) and Kuki Women's Union staged a parallel sit-in at Shangkai in Ukhrul district, citing the untraced 14 Kuki men and what they termed systemic atrocities against the Kuki-Zo community. The KSO Ukhrul district organized the protest, raising demands related to the welfare and security of the Kuki community.
Chief Minister Calls for Disarmament and Peace
Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh stated that disarming people with firearms in all parts of the state is of urgent need and urged community leaders to convince youths to shun violence. He emphasized that peace is the only solution and promised skill-development initiatives to create jobs outside the government. Singh made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the Tangkhul Naga community from Sinakeithei Village in Ukhrul district, who urged him to deploy state police forces in the village amid tensions. The delegation was accompanied by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah of the Naga People's Front (NPF), an ally of the ruling BJP. Villagers demanded proper security, adequate manpower at Sinakeithei police station, and the proper functioning of the sub-divisional collector (SDC)'s office at Sinakeithei.
