The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate intervention for the safe release of six Naga men allegedly abducted by Kuki SoO militants and demanding justice for victims affected by the ongoing violence in Manipur.
The memorandum, submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati District on Wednesday, was signed by NWU President Ch. Priscilla Thiumai and General Secretary A. Hoibila.
According to the memorandum, 18 Naga civilians, including women, pastors and a two-year-old child, were allegedly abducted on May 13 at Leilon Vaiphei village under Sapermeina Police Station while travelling to attend a wedding. While 16 of them were reportedly released on May 15 following an exchange, the whereabouts of six men remain unknown.
The missing persons were identified as Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Pastor Henpibou, Phenrongwibou, Phenringlungbou, Dilip and Kaliwangbou.
The NWU alleged that the abduction was carried out by Kuki militants in collusion with the chief of Leilon Vaiphei village and claimed that surviving victims and co-passengers witnessed the six men being forcibly dragged out of vehicles in front of their family members.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in Manipur, the union stated that continued violence has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of thousands of families and affected peace and stability in the region.
The organisation also demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, alleging that the arrangement had enabled militant groups to operate with impunity and use sophisticated weapons.
In its memorandum, the NWU urged the Government of India to immediately secure the release of the six hostages, arrest and prosecute those involved in the abduction and killings, deliver justice for Wilson Thanga of Dolang village, ensure rehabilitation and protection of released women hostages, strengthen state security forces, and restore peace and security in affected Naga areas.
The union stated that urgent intervention from the Centre was necessary to prevent further escalation of violence and restore normalcy in the state.