Imphal, May 20 (NNN): Demanding the release of six Nagas held hostage by the Kukis, the Naga women held rallies and sit-in-protest in all the Naga areas in the state of Manipur and in Imphal on Wednesday.
The protests were held under the aegis of the Naga Women Union (NWU). After the protests, the NWU submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “safe release of the six innocent Naga hostages and justice for Wilson Thanga who was killed by Suspension of Operation (SoO) Kuki militants.”
The Naga Women Union also demanded the abrogation of the SoO (Suspension of Operations) agreement with the Kuki militant groups.
The protests were held in Senapati district headquarters, Ukhrul district headquarters, Kamjong, Noney, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Tamenglong, Khoupum, Tamei, Kanglatongbi, Imphal and many other places.
It can be recalled that 18 Nagas were abducted in Leilon Vaiphei village area and two Nagas in Sapermeina, both the places fall under Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district, on May 13. Out of 20 hostages, 14 Nagas were released a couple of days later. However, the whereabouts of six Nagas, all men, are still not known. The six Nagas are Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Pastor Henpibou, Phenrongwibou, Phenringlungbou, Dilip and Kaliwangbou.
Meanwhile, the Naga Women Union, in its memorandum, submitted to Modi through the deputy commissioner of Senapati, mentioned that the whereabouts and safety of the six Naga hostages remain unknown till date. The NWU also demanded the brogation of the SoO (Suspension of Operations) agreements with the Kuki militant groups.
“We, as Naga women, have been supporting all forms of peace initiatives and processes but today, we are compelled to demand the abrogation of the SoO (Suspension of Operations) agreements with the Kuki militant groups”, the NWU memorandum demanded.
