The Naga Peoples Union on Monday held a massive rally in Imphal demanding the immediate and safe release of six Naga civilians allegedly abducted on May 13, submitting a memorandum to the state government seeking urgent intervention.

The rally began from the Tribal Market at New Checkon and proceeded towards Konung Mamang crossing, where police personnel stopped the protesters. Later, an eight-member delegation of the union was allowed to proceed to the Chief Minister’s bungalow to submit the memorandum.

Protesters carried banners and placards reading “Immediate and Safe Release of 6 Naga Hostages,” “Immediate Intervention by the Government,” “Justice and Protection for Innocent Civilians,” and “Stop Violence Against Innocent People.”

Naga Peoples Union, Imphal general secretary HB Kowarhring told reporters that the rally was peaceful and non-violent, and urged the abductors to release the civilians without harm.

“We are holding this peaceful rally demanding the safe release of our six beloved Naga civilians who were abducted on May 13,” he said.

He said the memorandum was submitted seeking urgent government intervention in the matter.

A participant, Chunthuiliu Kamei of Neikanlong, expressed disappointment over what she described as the slow response of the authorities.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

“We are here to show our disappointment over the lack of progress in securing the release of our six Naga brothers who were abducted by Kuki militants. Till now, no concrete action has been taken. We have been waiting for the government to take effective steps, but we are losing hope due to the slow progress,” she said.

She added that the rally was also meant to express the frustration of the public over what participants termed as the failure of the authorities to ensure the safe return of the abducted civilians.

The participants reiterated their demand for immediate steps to ensure the safe return of the abducted civilians. (with ANI inputs)