Tension continued in Manipur on Wednesday as the All Manipur Nupi Marup, a prominent women’s organisation, staged a protest rally in Imphal demanding the immediate and safe release of six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted earlier this month. Security was tightened around Irawat Bhavan during the demonstration as protesters marched with banners and placards calling for urgent government intervention.
The women protesters submitted a memorandum to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, highlighting the worsening security situation and growing fear among civilians. Demonstrators raised slogans against abductions and violence, while urging authorities to act swiftly to rescue the missing persons. Placards carried messages such as “Immediate and Safe Release of 6 Naga Hostages” and “Justice and Protection for Innocent Civilians.”
Speaking during the rally, Ningthoujam Premila, Assistant Secretary of the organisation, said the protest was aimed at drawing the attention of leaders to the hardships faced by ordinary people amid the prolonged unrest in the state. She stressed that women and civilians continue to suffer because of instability and insecurity across several districts.
The latest protest comes days after the Naga Peoples Union also organised a large rally in Imphal seeking the safe return of the abducted civilians. According to reports, the six Nagas were allegedly abducted on May 13, triggering widespread concern among Naga civil society organisations and community leaders. Protesters from the earlier rally marched from New Checkon’s Tribal Market towards the Chief Minister’s residence before police stopped the gathering near Konung Mamang crossing. An eight-member delegation was later allowed to submit a memorandum to the government.
The issue has further intensified political pressure on the state administration. Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra Singh also approached the National Human Rights Commission, seeking intervention into the ongoing crisis and alleged human rights violations in the state.
Meanwhile, security agencies have reportedly launched joint search operations in several hill districts to trace missing civilians and prevent further escalation of tensions. Reports suggest that rescue efforts are continuing amid fears of renewed ethnic unrest in the region.
