Public anger intensified on Saturday as hundreds of protesters blocked the Imphal–Dimapur stretch of National Highway-2 at Namdilong village gate, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of six Naga civilians allegedly abducted by armed Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13.

The highway blockade, organised by the Koubrou Range Liangmei Women’s Union, brought traffic movement to a halt as demonstrators raised slogans seeking justice and accusing both the State and Central Governments of failing to secure the release of the hostages nearly a month after their alleged abduction.

Protesters expressed growing frustration over what they described as the government’s inability to provide any concrete information about the fate of the six civilians who remain missing.

Speaking to the media during the agitation, Chunjaioiu, a resident of Namdilong village, said that 18 Naga civilians were reportedly abducted in the incident. While 12 were later released unharmed, six individuals continue to remain in captivity.

“We have been protesting day and night, but till now there has been no concrete response from either the State Government or the Central Government. It is shocking that despite the seriousness of the incident, no effective action has been taken,” she said.

She further stated that although Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand had visited the victims’ families, there has been no clear information regarding the condition of the remaining hostages.

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“Whether they are alive or dead, we want the government to bring back the six hostages so that the families can know their fate and carry out whatever is necessary,” she added.

Criticising the government’s handling of the situation, she alleged that the authorities had failed to respond adequately despite continuous public demonstrations by the Naga community.

She also appealed to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister and the State Government to intervene immediately and resolve the matter before the situation escalates further.

“We do not want war. We want peace. But if the government continues to ignore our appeals, the situation may worsen. We are only asking the authorities to look into our problems and deliver justice,” she asserted.

The protesters warned that they would continue their agitation until the six hostages are released or their whereabouts are officially confirmed.  (with ANI inputs)