The Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and Home Minister of Manipur seeking immediate intervention for the release of six allegedly illegally detained Naga persons and demanding adequate security escort for passengers travelling along NH-37.
The memorandum, signed by ZYF president Thonribou Pamai and vice-president Samuel Daimei, stated that since May 13, 2026, people travelling on NH-37 have been facing insecurity following the abduction and alleged illegal detention of 20 persons, including 18 individuals from Konsaram Naga village and two Catholic brothers from Sapormeina in Kangpokpi district.
According to the memorandum, 14 of the abducted persons were released on May 15, while six persons from Konsaram Naga village remain in detention. The organisation alleged that the incident followed statements issued by the Kuki Inpi Manipur and the Kuki Students’ Organisation in connection with the killing of Kuki religious leaders, which reportedly led to accusations against the Naga community.
The ZYF further stated that the incident has created fear and uncertainty among commuters along NH-37. Recalling the 1992-1996 Kuki-Naga ethnic clashes, the organisation referred to the killing of more than 40 passengers in an incident on October 19, 1994, when a passenger bus travelling between Imphal and Noney was allegedly pushed into a gorge along the then NH-53.