Senapati, May 26: The Naga People’s Front (NPF), Manipur State Unit, has strongly rejected the claim made by Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that they have “no knowledge” regarding the whereabouts of six abducted Naga civilians and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the NPF expressed serious concern over a statement reportedly published in The Sangai Express on May 26 under the caption “No knowledge of abducted Naga men,” in which Kuki CSOs allegedly denied any information about the six Naga men abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village in Senapati district.
The NPF termed the denial “deeply disturbing, unacceptable and contrary to every principle of humanity and truth,” stating that the contradiction raises serious questions surrounding the incident. The party questioned how Kuki CSOs could claim ignorance when women and family members who were abducted alongside the victims had later been released.
According to the statement, innocent Naga civilians—including husbands, wives and a child—were forcibly abducted together on the day of the incident. The NPF maintained that the accounts of surviving victims and family members serve as “undeniable proof” of what transpired.
The statement said women who were abducted with their husbands were released on May 15 after being held captive, while six Naga men continue to remain under the custody of abductors. The NPF argued that the testimonies of surviving women directly contradict the claim of “no knowledge.”
Raising several pointed questions to Kuki CSOs, the NPF asked: “Who abducted these innocent men? Who separated husbands from their wives? Who released the women on May 15 while continuing to detain the men? How could such an abduction take place in broad daylight without anyone knowing anything? And why have there been no concrete efforts to reveal the whereabouts of the abducted men?”
The six abducted Naga civilians identified by the NPF are:
- Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai
- Dilip Thiumai
- Phenrilungbou Chawang
- Pherongwibou Thiumal
- Kenpibou Chawang
- Kliwangbou Abonmai
The NPF further stated that continued denial despite eyewitness testimonies has only deepened concern, suspicion and pain among the Naga community. While acknowledging that the Naga people have shown restraint despite emotional suffering and growing anger, the party cautioned that restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
“The families of the six men deserve answers. The people deserve the truth. Humanity demands accountability,” the statement said.
The party also demanded immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of the six abducted civilians, their safe and unconditional return without delay, and accountability for those responsible for the alleged abduction.
NPF Manipur State Unit President, Awangbow Newmai, who signed the statement, affirmed that the party would continue to stand with the affected families and the Naga people in their pursuit of truth, justice and solidarity until the matter is resolved.
Users Today : 409
Total Users : 35284