Manipur: Naga Women’s Union Demands Rescue Of Abducted Nagas, Seeks Revocation Of SoO Pact With KNF-P.

Imphal; May 2026: The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) has strongly condemned the abduction of indigenous Naga civilians from Leilon Vaiphei village near Leimakhong in Manipur and demanded immediate rescue of the remaining hostages, while also calling for the revocation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki National Front-Progressive (KNF-P).

In a press release issued yesterday (Monday – 18th May 2026) the NWU alleged that the abduction took place on May 13th near the Leimakhong Army camp, and have expressed strong suspicion over the involvement of the SoO group KNF-P.

The Union stated that out of 18 abducted persons, including women and a child, six individuals remain missing. The missing persons were identified as Dr. Rev. Manu, Pastor Kenpibou, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou, Phenrongwibou Thiumai and Ch. Phenrilungbou. The NWU said the continued captivity of the six persons has deeply affected their families and the wider Naga community and demanded their immediate release without harm.

Raising concern over security lapses, the Union noted that the abduction occurred close to major security establishments, including the 57 Mountain Division, CRPF camps, Assam Rifles deployments and the Gorkha Regiment gate near Leimakhong.

“The inability to prevent such a grave incident despite heavy security presence raises urgent questions regarding civilian protection and accountability”, the statement said. The organisation has further demanded the immediate abrogation of the SoO agreement with the militant group allegedly involved in the incident. According to the NWU, Leilon Vaiphei village and surrounding areas have become hotspots of terror activities since the outbreak of the Manipur conflict in May 2023.

It is of immense importance that, as reported by Maverick News 30, it was on 12th May 2026, Kuki Inpi Manipur had alleged that the concentration of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF)-Kamson faction and Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs), in the Kotzim and Kotlen areas are the root cause of all terrors; against which the United Naga Council yesterday on 18th May has sought explanations from the Kuki Impi Manipur.

Meanwhile, the Naga Women’s Union has urged both the Manipur government and the Centre to use all available professional mechanisms and powers to trace and safely bring back the remaining hostages.

It also called for immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the abduction and demanded that all militants, accomplices and abettors be booked under appropriate laws.

The NWU further appealed for a thorough investigation into the hostage-taking incident and swift justice for all victims affected by what it described as ‘acts of terror’. Reiterating its stand, the Union stated that no armed group or individual should be allowed to undermine human dignity, civilian safety and the rule of law through violence and intimidation.

Team Maverick.