Thousands of people from both Naga and Meitei communities staged a large-scale joint protest in Imphal on Monday demanding the immediate rescue of six Naga civilians who have reportedly been held hostage for more than a week.
The protest, organised under the aegis of the Naga People’s Union (NPU), Imphal, began at the Tribal Market and marched towards the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where demonstrators intended to submit a memorandum seeking urgent state intervention.
Security forces blocked the procession at Palace Compound near the Thangal General statue. Subsequently, six representatives of the NPU were permitted to meet the Chief Minister and submit their memorandum.
Participants, including members of various indigenous Naga and Meitei communities, took part in the rally wearing traditional attire. A heavy deployment of state and central security forces was put in place across key locations in Imphal to maintain order as the crowd gathered at Palace Compound awaiting the delegation’s return.
Protesters raised slogans demanding the immediate and safe release of the six hostages and called for stronger action against armed groups allegedly involved in the incident. The agitation remained peaceful but highly charged, reflecting growing public anger over the prolonged detention of civilians.
Speaking to the media, the Secretary of NPU Imphal stated that six Naga civilians were allegedly abducted by Kuki militants from the Leilon Vaiphei area and had remained in captivity for over a week. He said the continued detention had caused deep distress among indigenous communities and urged the government to act swiftly to ensure their safe release.
He further said that several civil society organisations had already submitted memorandums to the authorities, warning that if the government failed to respond within a stipulated time, the agitation would be intensified.
During the protest, demonstrators also raised broader political and security concerns, including questions over governance decisions, the role of armed groups under Suspension of Operations agreements, and the effectiveness of central security deployment in preventing such incidents.
Speakers at the rally described the ongoing situation in Manipur as a prolonged humanitarian and security crisis affecting all communities. One of the speakers, Ashune Enah, said the people were exhausted by years of violence and instability and demanded immediate action for the release of the abducted civilians.
Another protester, Th Paorei, alleged that certain groups were denying custody of the hostages and accused them of “playing with the lives and emotions of the families.” He stated that the captives had reportedly been held for nearly two weeks and urged authorities to intervene decisively to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
While calling for restraint and peace, protesters warned that continued silence or inaction would deepen public anger, reiterating that the demonstration reflected a unified demand for justice, accountability, and the safe return of the six civilians.