The apex Naga women’s body, Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), today launched a fierce attack against Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, demanding her immediate resignation over the abduction of six Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district on May 13.
Mass sit-in protests erupted at Ukhrul and Kamjong district headquarters, where hundreds of women condemned what they termed as the “failure and complicity” of forces operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
The protesters levelled explosive allegations linking the organisation associated with the Deputy Chief Minister’s husband to the abduction case. Placards carried during the demonstrations read: “Nemcha Kipgen must resign for her complicity to the abduction of Naga civilians by her husband’s organisation under Suspension of Operations (SoO).”
TSL accused SoO groups of turning Naga-inhabited areas into zones of fear and insecurity and demanded the immediate and safe release of the six hostages.
The organisation also called for scrapping or reviewing the SoO agreement and removal of SoO militant camps from Naga areas, alleging that armed groups operating under the arrangement have continued to threaten civilians with impunity.
The protest drew participation from Naga women’s organisations across Tangkhul areas amid rising tensions over the abduction incident, further exposing the deepening fault lines between Naga and Kuki groups in the violence-hit state.