Families of six Naga men allegedly abducted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district have appealed to the government and militants for their immediate release, as uncertainty over their fate continues to deepen fear and anguish among relatives. The men are among those still untraced after a group of civilians was taken hostage in a violent incident on May 13.
According to family members and accounts of released captives, a total of 18 Naga civilians, including women, men and an infant, were taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei village following an ambush in the Kotlen area of Kangpokpi district. While the women and the infant have since been released, six men remain missing.
Relatives said the prolonged captivity has left families distressed and desperate for answers, with little clarity on the condition or whereabouts of the missing individuals. They have urged both the state and central governments to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return.
Speaking to the media after their release, some of the former hostages recounted their ordeal, alleging that the group was intercepted while travelling near Leimakhong Konsa Khul close to Leilon Vaiphei village. One of the released captives, Dingamliu Abonmai, said they were stopped by armed individuals before being forcibly taken away in vehicles.
She alleged that the initial interception involved around 40 people dressed in civilian clothing, followed by another group in camouflage uniforms. Abonmai claimed the armed men were linked to KNF, and said the captives were subsequently separated based on gender, with men taken away in different vehicles.
Also read: Naga women protest in Manipur over 6 abducted men
According to her account, the hostages were blindfolded and transported to forested areas, where they were allegedly subjected to mental pressure and intimidation during captivity. She added that the released hostages were reluctant to disclose full details of their ordeal, hoping that revealing too much could jeopardise efforts to secure the release of the remaining men.
“They pleaded with folded hands to be released,” Abonmai said, describing the fear and uncertainty faced by the captives during the incident.
Families of the missing men said the continued uncertainty has left them in a state of constant anxiety. One relative highlighted the plight of an infant — just over a month old, whose father is among the abducted, saying the child is growing up without parental care and support.
Community members have also expressed concern over the deteriorating situation, calling for immediate action to trace and rescue the missing individuals. They said the incident has further deepened insecurity in the region, where ethnic tensions have remained high in recent years.
Authorities have not issued an updated statement on the status of the missing men. Families, however, continue to appeal for coordinated efforts to ensure their safe return, stressing that time is critical given the prolonged nature of their captivity.
Follow us
