Missing Naga men trigger political concerns amid President’s Rule demands

The continued disappearance of six Naga men allegedly abducted by suspected Kuki militants under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) arrangement has triggered serious political concerns in Manipur, with analysts, academics and political figures warning that the incident could deepen instability in the state and intensify debates surrounding the possible imposition of President’s Rule.
A renowned political analyst from Manipur, while speaking to media persons, drew parallels between the present case and the Jiribam killings during the peak of the ethnic violence, when six women, including three minors, were abducted, killed and their bodies later recovered from the Barak River. The analyst alleged that despite public allegations linking the crime to armed groups operating under the SoO agreement, justice remained elusive and the people of the state were left helpless.
Referring to the six missing Naga men abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village, the analyst questioned the inability of the police, Army and Central forces to trace or rescue them despite the passage of several days. He warned that if the abducted persons were eventually found dead, the incident could spark another major crisis similar to the Jiribam episode and further erode public trust in the state administration.
A senior college professor from Manipur also expressed concern that the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the abducted men could have wider political implications. According to the professor, the incident has emerged at a politically sensitive time ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha election following the completion of the tenure of Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba.
The professor alleged that repeated incidents involving armed groups under the SoO arrangement appeared to be strategically timed to destabilise the state and create pressure for political change. He further claimed that some influential Kuki organisations have recently intensified demands for President’s Rule in Manipur, raising questions over whether certain groups were opposed to the continuation of a popular government involving Meitei, Naga and Kuki representatives.
Meanwhile, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur Pradesh alleged that militant groups functioning under the SoO arrangement were more active during periods of administrative uncertainty and could attempt to sabotage the elected government through sustained violence and unrest. The BJP leader further remarked that the central leadership of the party perhaps appeared more concerned about securing the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Manipur than addressing the growing insecurity and uncertainty surrounding the fate of the abducted men.
The BJP leader also alleged that repeated attacks targeting indigenous communities, including Tangkhul, Liangmei and Meitei populations, reflected a broader attempt to heighten tensions across the state. He cautioned that failure to safely recover the six missing Naga men could further destabilise Manipur and intensify public anger against both the state and central governments.
The statements come amid growing concern and protests by several Naga organisations demanding immediate action to trace the missing men and ensure accountability for the abduction.