A sit-in protest demanding the safe release of six abducted Naga men was staged at Tribal Market in New Checkon, Imphal East, on May 20, under the aegis of the Naga Women Union.

Protests were simultaneously reported across several Naga-inhabited districts of Manipur, including Senapati, Noney, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Churachandpur, Chandel and Tamenglong.

A large number of protesters gathered at the demonstration site, expressing anger over the continued captivity of the six men nearly a week after their abduction. Demonstrators carried placards reading “Human lives, not hostages”, “Bring our people home alive”, “Bring back six hostages safe”, and “Don’t test our patience”.

Speaking at the protest, Houreilu Kamei accused the government of failing to act decisively for the release of the abducted men, who she alleged were being held by a suspected Kuki militant group.

“We are not really satisfied with the government and how they are handling the release of the six abducted Naga men even though repeated appeals were made,” she said.

Kamei further alleged that the authorities were “not being proactive” and said the lack of urgency shown towards the abducted civilians was “very unfortunate”.

She also described the prevailing situation in Manipur as a “dark and melancholic phase” that had become “the new normal”, adding that the issue should be addressed politically through dialogue.

Another protester claimed the six men were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13 and questioned the lack of action by central security forces.

“The Naga men were picked up from a Kuki area by Kuki people. Why can’t the security forces directly interrogate residents of Leilon Vaiphei village as an effort to release these abducted people?” she said.

The protester further alleged that delays in rescuing the hostages could escalate tensions and put the lives of the abducted civilians at greater risk.

The abduction reportedly took place following a deadly ambush at Kotlen in Kangpokpi district in which three Thadou church leaders were killed. According to local sources, 20 Naga individuals were abducted after the incident, of whom 14 have since been released, while six remain in captivity.