Over 1,200 Naga Women Stage Sit-In Protest in Ukhrul, Kamjong; Demand Release of Hostages, Nemcha Kipgen’s Resignation.

Ukhrul/Kamjong, May 20: The calls for the resignation of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen intensified on Wednesday as thousands of Naga women under the aegis of the Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) staged massive sit-in protests at Ukhrul Headquarters and Kamjong Headquarters, demanding the immediate release of six Naga civilians allegedly held hostage by Kuki militants.

Carrying placards and raising slogans, the protestors accused the Deputy Chief Minister of alleged complicity in the abduction case, with one prominent placard reading: “Nemcha Kipgen Must Resign For Her Complicity To The Abduction Of Naga Civilians By Her Husband’s Organisation under SoO.” The coordinated protests were organised in response to the alleged abduction of six Naga men by Kuki militants on May 13, 2026, at Leilon Vaiphei Village in Senapati district, Manipur. According to organisers, the demand for the safe release of the hostages has been growing stronger across the hill districts of Manipur with each passing day. At Ukhrul Headquarters, more than 1,000 women protestors from different Tangkhul Shanao Long units assembled at the Mini Secretariat Complex, while over 200 women participated in a similar demonstration at Kamjong Headquarters, reflecting growing anger and concern over the continued detention of the civilians. The protestors shouted slogans including “Release 6 Naga Hostages,” “Scrap the SoO,” “Remove Suspension of Operation from Naga Areas,” and “bring back Trust, Security forces“, demanding immediate intervention from the State government.

Speaking on the occasion, Tangkhul Shanao Long President Thingreiphi Lungharwoshi said the women had gathered in solidarity with the hostages and their families.

“Today we held a sit-in protest wearing our black mekhala, which signifies protest as well as solidarity. We have placed two demands — first, the immediate release of the six hostages, and second, the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals and groups involved in the criminal act of holding civilians hostage,” the TSL President stated.

As part of the protest, the Tangkhul Shanao Long submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh through the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district, seeking urgent government intervention for the safe release of the six hostages allegedly held at Leilon Vaiphei Village, Senapati district. The memorandum stated that on May 13, 2026, several Nagas were allegedly abducted and held hostage at LeilonVaiphei Village. While some individuals had reportedly been released, the whereabouts of the following six persons remained unknown:

1. Dr. Rev. Manu Thiumai
2. Pastor Kenpibou Chawang
3. Mr. Dilip Thiumai
4. Mr. Kaliwangbou Abonmai
5. Mr. Phenrongwibou Thiumai
6. Mr. Ch. Phenrilungbou

In the memorandum, TSL placed two key demands before the State government:

1. Ensure the safe and immediate release of all the hostages;
2. Immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals and groups involved in the criminal act. the memorandum signed by Thingreiphi Lungharwoshi, President, TSL. The protest marked one of the largest women-led demonstrations witnessed in Ukhrul and Kamjong in recent months, underscoring mounting tensions and growing public pressure over the hostage crisis in Manipur’s hill districts.