Naga People’s Front (NPF) has strongly questioned the claim made by certain Kuki civil society organisations that they have “no knowledge” about the whereabouts of six Naga civilians abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village, describing the denial as “deeply disturbing” and inconsistent with testimonies of surviving victims.
In a statement issued by Awangbow Newmai, the party expressed serious concern over what it termed a contradiction in the public position taken by Kuki CSOs. The statement pointed out that while the organisations acknowledged the abduction and subsequent release of other civilians taken during the same incident, they simultaneously denied knowledge about the six Naga men who continue to remain missing.
The NPF stated that innocent Naga civilians, including husbands, wives and a child, were allegedly abducted together on May 13 and that some of the women and children were later released on May 15 while the men remained in captivity. According to the party, testimonies of the released women constitute direct eyewitness accounts of the incident and cannot be dismissed or ignored.
The statement identified the released survivors as Kachiaklung Thiumai, Winiliu Thiumai, Sarah Thiumai and Wibonliu Chawang. The party stated that the women had witnessed the abduction and separation of their husbands and family members.
The six missing Naga men were identified as Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Phenrilungbou Chawang, Pherongwibou Thiumai, Kenpibou Chawang and Kliwangbou Abonmai.
Raising a series of pointed questions, the NPF asked who abducted the civilians, who separated the husbands from their wives, and how such an incident could occur in broad daylight without any knowledge of those involved. The party further questioned why no concrete information regarding the whereabouts of the missing men has emerged despite the release of some captives.
The statement warned that continued denial despite eyewitness testimonies was deepening mistrust and pain among the Naga people. While stating that the community has exercised restraint despite growing anger and emotional distress, the NPF cautioned that silence and denial could further endanger fragile inter-community relations.
Demanding immediate intervention, the NPF called for disclosure of the whereabouts of the six abducted men, their safe and unconditional release, and accountability for those responsible for the abductions.