As its ultimatum expired without government response regarding the six Naga individuals abducted on May 13 by suspected Kuki militants, the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) embarked on a peaceful march Thursday, traveling from Ukhrul town to Makhan village in Kangpokpi district to meet the families of the abductees.
March to Makhan
The protest march, which saw vehicles draped with the Naga national flag, proceeded along National Highway 202—the Ukhrul-Imphal route—passing through Litan and Kuki-inhabited communities including Mongkot Chepu and Shangkai before continuing toward Makhan village.
The decision to march was made at an emergency assembly convened Wednesday at the Ukhrul district headquarters, hosted by the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS). The meeting followed the expiration of a four-day ultimatum ANSAM had issued to the Government of Manipur and relevant authorities to establish the whereabouts of the six hostages, who were abducted on May 13, 2026, at Leilon Vaiphei.
Speaking before the procession departed Ukhrul town at around 1 pm, ANSAM president Angteshang Maring stated that the association and its units would proceed to Makhan village to visit the victims’ families.
“Any untoward incident that occurs during our journey will be the responsibility of the Government of Manipur and the Government of India,” Maring warned.
KNF(P) Blamed for Abduction
In a statement, ANSAM revealed that the abduction occurred in broad daylight and was carried out by the KNF(P) together with villagers from Leilon Vaiphei. The association demanded the immediate handover of the hostages to their families and to the Naga people.
The assembly expressed profound disappointment that despite their deadline, no concrete information regarding the safety, whereabouts, or status of the six hostages had been provided to their families or the broader Naga community.
“The prolonged silence has exacerbated the anxiety and suffering of the victims’ relatives,” the statement read.
Formation of Action Committee
The meeting also resolved to form an action committee to address the prevailing situation in the Naga homeland. The ANSAM executive council will constitute the committee and nominate former association leaders as members.
Pushing for inclusiveness within the Naga community, participants emphasized that the presidential council’s call to boycott the state government required wider consultation for effective implementation. The association authorized its executive council and units to hold intensive consultations with all stakeholders.
ANSAM said it would continue to pursue democratic and peaceful means until justice is delivered and the six hostages are reunited with their families.
“ANSAM remains committed to all peaceful avenues until the affected communities receive justice and the hostages are brought home,” the statement concluded.