Zeliangrong organisations rally in Jalukie demanding immediate release of six Naga men allegedly abducted in Manipur on May 13
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DIMAPUR — Thousands of people gathered at Jalukie Town Square on Friday, demanding the release of six Naga men allegedly abducted in Manipur on May 13, as Zeliangrong organisations intensified pressure on authorities through a mass rally.
Organised by Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN), the rally drew participants from across the community, with demonstrators carrying banners and placards bearing slogans such as “Silence can’t hide the truth” and “Government must act now”.
Following the rally, a representation was submitted to the Governor of Nagaland through the Deputy Commissioner of Peren, seeking urgent intervention for the safe release of the six men, who the organisations alleged were being held by Kuki militants after being taken from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
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In the memorandum, ZBN, along with Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO), Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Nagaland and Manipur), Zeme Council Nagaland, Liangmai Council Nagaland, Rongmei Council Nagaland, Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland, Zeliang Women Organisation Nagaland, Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland, Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland and Zeliang Youth Organisation Nagaland, demanded the immediate and safe release of Rev. Manu, Pastor Kenpibou, Phenrongwibou, Phenrilungbou, Dilip and Kaliwangbou.
Among the demands submitted to the governor was the arrest and interrogation of Leilon Vaiphei village chief Lalboi Vaiphei and others allegedly involved in the abduction of 18 civilians, including the six Naga men. The representation also called for the withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations agreement.
The organisations appealed to the governor to intervene without delay, stating that failure to address the issue could further aggravate tensions in the region. It stated that the release of the six men was necessary to help de-escalate tensions and restore peace.
The representation further alleged that the six men remained in captivity despite several protests and memorandums submitted by civil society organisations in Manipur seeking government intervention.
It stated that 18 civilians were allegedly taken hostage on May 13 at around 10.30 am. According to the representation, 11 women and a baby were released on May 15, while the six men continued to be held. The organisations claimed that the whereabouts of the six men remain unknown.
Addressing the gathering, NZPO president Zandi Domta said that the victims, including men and women travelling together in the same vehicle, were forcibly separated during the incident.
“All the 18 hostages were abducted together. They were taken from the same place on the same day and at the same time,” he said.
Domta claimed that 12 hostages were later released in exchange for Kuki hostages, while the six remaining men continued to be held. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the six men and called for legal action against those responsible for the alleged abduction.
Domta also warned that failure by authorities to act could undermine public confidence in law and justice. He further alleged that holding civilians captive amounted to terrorism and urged the governments of India, Manipur and Nagaland to intervene before the situation worsened.
Representing Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Nagaland and Manipur), Tadambo said that the Zeliangrong community remained united despite the challenges it was facing. He said that members of the community had gathered under a common cause and not under separate organisational identities.
A relative of one of the abducted men, Pastor Kenpibou, told the gathering that the support shown by the public had given strength and encouragement to affected families. She said that her family had been living in distress since the abduction and that the solidarity expressed by the Zeliangrong community had provided hope.
Zeliang Youth Organisation Nagaland president Ngautube said that the continued detention of the six men had deeply affected the sentiments of the Naga and Zeliangrong people and described the rally as a collective call for justice, humanity and peace.
Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland president Edward Nring said that the issue had gone beyond a political or state-specific matter and had become a humanitarian concern.
Speeches were also delivered by leaders of the Zeme Council Nagaland, Liangmai Council Nagaland, Rongmei Council Nagaland, Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland, Zeliang Women Organisation and Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland.