Manipur on edge as six Naga men remain missing

One week after armed men abducted a group of Naga civilians in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, the fate of six missing men remains unknown, deepening fears of fresh ethnic unrest in the violence-hit state.

- NIBIR DEKA

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam today appealed to the captors to release all innocent hostages, admitting that authorities still have no information about the missing men.

The abductions took place on May 13 against the backdrop of growing tension in the hill districts. Earlier that day, three church leaders from the Thadou-Kuki community were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district. Following the killings, 18 Naga civilians, including women, couples and at least two pastors, were reportedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village while travelling towards Konsakhul (Konsaram), a Liangmai Naga village.

According to survivors who were later released, the group was intercepted by armed Kuki militants or villagers. Twelve of the abducted civilians were eventually freed through local negotiations and community pressure, but six men remain missing.

Naga organisations have identified the missing persons as Rev. Dr Manu Thiumai (45), Phenrongwi Thiumai (43), Phenrilung Chawang (36), Kaliwangbou Abonmai (23), Pastor Kenpibou (28), and Dilip Thiumai (33). All are residents of Konsakhul or nearby areas.