A massive public rally was held at Jalukie Town Square on Friday demanding the safe release of six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted in Kangpokpi district, Manipur on May 13.

The rally, organised by the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN), drew a large turnout and was attended by representatives of various apex Zeliangrong and tribal organisations, youth and student bodies, and women's groups.

Participants condemned the alleged abduction and continued detention of the six men, while expressing concern over the prevailing situation in Manipur. Speakers at the rally urged authorities to take immediate steps to secure the release of the hostages and prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.

Following the rally, the organisers submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav, seeking his urgent intervention. In the representation, ZBN and several civil society organisations appealed to the Governor to coordinate with the Government of India and the authorities in Manipur to ensure the swift, safe and unconditional release of the six Naga civilians.

According to the memorandum, 18 Naga civilians, including men, women and a married couple, were allegedly taken hostage on May 13 at around 10:30 a.m. The representation stated that 11 women and a baby were subsequently released, while six Naga men remain unaccounted for.

The memorandum alleged that the six men were abducted by the National Kuki Front (KNF-P) “operating under the Kuki Militants in connivance with the Leilon Village community”. 

It further claimed that the continued detention of the six men constituted a violation of human rights and has caused distress and uncertainty among their families and the wider Naga community.

In its demands, ZBN and the supporting organisations called for the immediate and safe release of the six men identified as Rev. Manu, Kenpibo, Phenrongwibou, Phenrilungbou, Dilip and Kaliwangbou. The memorandum also sought the arrest and investigation of those allegedly involved in the abduction, withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations arrangement, and justice for the victims and their families.

The representation stated that civil society organisations in Manipur had already organised protest demonstrations and submitted memoranda to the state government on the issue. It warned that failure to address the matter promptly could further aggravate tensions and affect peace and stability in the region.