Imphal, May 25: Amid mounting tensions over the alleged abduction of Naga civilians in Manipur, the Naga Peoples’ Union, Imphal (NPUI) on Monday submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Manipur seeking immediate intervention and urgent action on seven key demands, including the rescue of six alleged Naga hostages, arrest of those responsible and review of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) arrangement.
The memorandum, addressed to the Chief Minister and signed by senior office bearers of the union, alleged that armed Kuki cadres operating under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact had taken hostage 20 innocent Naga civilians hailing from Konsakhul (Kansaram) in the precincts of Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026.
According to the NPUI, the incident allegedly took place in connivance with the Chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, village authorities and certain womenfolk of the village. The union claimed that while 14 women were released on May 15, 2026, six men, including two pastors, continue to remain in captivity, and their whereabouts remain unknown till date.
Describing the matter as extremely serious and alarming, NPUI stated that the continued detention of the six civilians has generated widespread fear and insecurity among Naga communities, particularly in the hill districts of the state.
In the memorandum, the union asserted that immediate government intervention is necessary not only to rescue the alleged hostages but also to prevent further deterioration of law and order in the region.
Seven Key Demands Raised by NPUI
As part of its memorandum, the Naga Peoples’ Union, Imphal submitted seven points of demand for immediate consideration by the state government.
1. Immediate Action Against Armed Cadres
The union demanded immediate legal action against the armed Kuki cadres allegedly involved in the abduction of innocent Naga civilians. It urged the government to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
NPUI stressed that the alleged perpetrators must be brought before the court of law to ensure justice and accountability.
2. Arrest of Village Authorities Allegedly Involved
The union further demanded the immediate arrest of Shri Laboi Vaiphei, Chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, members of the Leilon Vaiphei Village Authority, and other persons allegedly involved in taking hostage the six innocent Naga civilians, including two pastors.
The memorandum alleged collusion by certain local authorities and sought strict legal proceedings against those responsible.
3. Immediate Rescue Operation for Remaining Hostages
Expressing concern over the continued captivity of six men, NPUI appealed to the state government and security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation for their safe release.
The organisation stated that the six civilians are allegedly being held captive by armed Kuki cadres operating under the SoO pact and urged authorities to expedite efforts to locate and rescue them.
4. Justice for Wilson Thanga and Joujangtek Victims
The memorandum also demanded justice for Late Shri Wilson Thanga of Chiru Naga Dollang village, who was allegedly ambushed and shot dead near Joujangtek village in Noney district on May 13, 2026.
NPUI further highlighted that two other civilians sustained injuries in the incident and called for a fair investigation and prosecution of those involved.
The union described the killing as a grave attack on innocent civilians and urged authorities to ensure justice for the bereaved family.
5. Justice for Victims of TM Kasom Ambush
Another major issue raised in the memorandum was the demand for justice for Late Shri S.W. Chinaoshang and Late Shri Yaruingam Vashum, who were reportedly ambushed near TM Kasom (Roudei) under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district on April 18, 2026.
The union urged the government to investigate the case thoroughly and take legal action against those responsible for the killings.
6. Demand for Removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen
In one of its strongest political demands, NPUI sought the immediate removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from the Council of Ministers.
The memorandum alleged that her husband, Shri S.T. Thangboi Kipgen @ Semtinthang Kipgen, is the Chairman of the Kuki National Front–Presidential (KNF-P) and the United Peoples’ Front (UPF)—an umbrella body of several armed Kuki groups under the SoO agreement.
The union alleged that six of the abducted Naga civilians are still under the custody of armed groups linked to the SoO arrangement and questioned the continuation of her position in the government.
7. Abrogation of SoO and Deportation of Kuki Refugees
Lastly, NPUI demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement and sought the deportation of Kuki refugees, citing concerns over law and order, security and repeated incidents of violence in the hill districts.
The union maintained that stronger measures are needed to restore peace, justice and security in Manipur.
Appeal for Urgent Government Intervention
In its concluding appeal, NPUI urged the Chief Minister to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and take immediate steps to rescue the six alleged hostages, punish those involved and address growing concerns over public safety.
The memorandum was jointly signed by NPUI President M. Ngaranmi, Vice Presidents H.I. Chothe and Dr. L. Phaomei, General Secretary HB Kowarhing, and Information Secretary R. Samuel Kharam.
The development comes at a time when tensions continue to prevail in several hill districts of Manipur following recent incidents of violence, abductions and ambushes involving civilians, further deepening concerns over peace and security in the region.
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