The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), along with its former leaders, convened an Emergency Presidential Council Meeting on May 24 to discuss the prevailing crisis in Manipur and the alleged abduction of 18 Liangmai Naga individuals by Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government of India.
According to a press communique issued by ANSAM on Thursday, the hostages were allegedly abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village near the Leimakhong-based 57 Mountain Division of the Indian Army. The association claimed that six Liangmai Naga hostages, including two pastors, remain untraced.
After detailed deliberations, the association expressed serious concern over what it termed the failure of the Manipur government to take decisive action regarding the missing hostages and the armed groups allegedly involved in the abduction. ANSAM stated that despite repeated press statements, demonstrations, and media briefings by Naga civil society organisations, the authorities have failed to address the issue, creating fear and insecurity among Naga communities.
The organisation announced a four-day ultimatum to the Government of Manipur to establish the whereabouts and condition of the six hostages and hand them over safely to the Naga community within four days from May 29.
ANSAM warned that if the government fails to act within the stipulated period, the Naga community may collectively boycott the present Manipur government and appeal to all Naga legislators supporting the government to withdraw their support in the interest of Naga security and unity.
The association also questioned the appointment of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, alleging links to militant groups through her spouse, and criticised both the state and central governments for allegedly failing to take action against certain leaders of the KNF(P).
The organisation further accused Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam of denying allegations related to attacks on Naga villages along the Indo-Myanmar border in Kamjong district earlier this month.
ANSAM also demanded immediate action against those involved in the killing of Wilson Thanga, two Naga civilians at TM Kasom, and three Thadou church leaders in separate ambush incidents. It further called for the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups and demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office.
The association appealed to all concerned authorities to act with urgency to prevent further escalation of the situation.
