“No act of hostility can intimidate the Nagas”: NSF slams killings, abductions and hostage crisis in Manipur

Special Correspondent
Ukhrul/Kohima, May 15:
Amid rapidly escalating tensions in Manipur’s hill districts, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has issued a fierce condemnation of the recent killings, ambushes and alleged abductions involving Naga civilians and religious workers, warning that continued violence could push the situation towards a dangerous and uncontrollable confrontation.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by NSF President Mteisuding and General Secretary Kenilo Kent, the Federation declared that “no act of hostility can intimidate the Nagas,” while accusing authorities of failing to prevent repeated attacks on innocent civilians.
The Federation strongly condemned the deadly ambush on leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association on May 13 between Kotzin and Kotlen while they were returning from Churachandpur. Three church leaders — Rev. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou — were killed in the attack, while five others sustained serious injuries.
Describing the ambush as “barbaric” and “an assault on humanity and religious sanctity,” the NSF said the targeting of religious leaders had shocked the conscience of the people and deepened fear across communities already living under prolonged ethnic tensions.
The Federation also condemned the killing of Wilson Thanga, a Chiru Naga civilian, at Joujangtek area in Noney district on the same day. According to the NSF, Wilson was shot dead while his wife sustained critical injuries, an incident the Federation described as another example of indiscriminate violence against civilians.
The NSF further expressed alarm over the reported abduction of two religious workers — Bro. Peter Kivisie Poji of the Pochury Naga community and Bro. Aching Paul of the Rongmei Naga community — who were allegedly kidnapped while travelling from Don Bosco Imphal to Don Bosco Maram on the night of May 13. Reports of nearly 18 Naga villagers from Konsakhul allegedly being held hostage at Leilon Vaiphei village have further intensified tensions, the statement added.
While reiterating that peace remains the aspiration of the Naga people, the Federation said repeated killings, abductions and retaliatory actions had “liquidated all sense of humanity” and pushed civilians into a state of deep insecurity and fear.
The NSF sharply questioned the continued silence and inaction of both the State Government and the Government of India despite repeated incidents of violence and loss of innocent lives. Though reports indicated that two abducted religious workers and 12 women hostages had been released, the Federation maintained that justice would remain incomplete until every captive is freed safely and unconditionally.
Demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages, the NSF warned that the Naga people would not remain silent spectators to injustice and aggression.
“Any provocation or attack against one Naga shall be understood as an attack against all Nagas,” the statement asserted, signalling growing anger and collective resolve within Naga civil society.
The Federation called upon those responsible for the violence to immediately stop all “war-like actions” and urged the authorities to intervene decisively before the already volatile situation descends into another major humanitarian and security crisis in Manipur.