The Naga People’s Front (Manipur State Unit has demanded for the safe release of Naga hostages without further delay and accountability for those responsible for this inhuman act.
The press release of NPF (MSU) stated that ‘the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Manipur State Unit, strongly disagrees with the press statement published in The Sangai Express dated 26 May 2026 under the caption (No knowledge of abducted Naga men), in which Kuki CSOs claimed they had “no knowledge” regarding the whereabouts of the six innocent Naga brothers abducted on 13 May 2026 from Leilon Vaiphei village. The NPF MSU is compelled to issue such a statement that appears in Sangai Express today as mentioned above is deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and contrary to every principle of humanity and truth. If they acknowledge knowledge of the 12+2 innocent civilians who were abducted together and later released, then how can they claim to have no knowledge about the six Naga brothers who were taken alongside them and remain under the abductor’s custody to this day? This contradiction raises serious questions and deepens the pain and suspicion surrounding the entire incident.
“On that fateful day, innocent Naga civilians including husbands, wives, and a child were forcibly abducted together. This is not an allegation based on rumours or assumptions. The living testimonies of the wives and family members who were abducted alongside their husbands stand as undeniable proof. These women were later released on 15 May 2026 after being held captive, while their husbands and the others remain under the custody of abductors.
“How can there be “no knowledge” when living witnesses themselves survived the abduction? The victims who survived have clearly testified about who abducted them, where they were taken from, and under whose custody they were separated from their loved ones. The released wives are living witnesses. Their pain, trauma, and testimonies cannot be erased by public denial statements. Truth cannot be hidden behind silence or misleading narratives.
“The women who were abducted together with their husbands and later released are:
–Kachiaklung Thiumai, wife of Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai,
-Winiliu Thiumai and daughter Sarah Thiumai, wife and daughter of Dilip Thiumai
-Wibonliu Chawang , wife of Phenrilungbou Chawang
These individuals stand as living testimonies to what truly happened
“If the Kuki CSOs claim they have no knowledge, then we ask:
1. Who abducted these innocent men?
2. Who separated husbands from their wives?
3. Who released the women on 15 May while continuing to keep the men detained?
4. How can an abduction occur in broad daylight and yet nobody claims to know anything?
5. Why has there been no concrete effort to reveal their whereabouts?
“The six Naga brothers under the hands of the abductors are:
1. Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai
2. Dilip Thiumai
3. Phenrilungbou Chawang
4. Pherongwibou Thiumai
5. Kenpibou Chawang
6. Kliwangbou Abonmai
“The continued denial despite eyewitness testimonies only raises deeper concern, suspicion, and pain among the Naga people. The Naga people have shown immense restraint despite the emotional suffering and growing anger within the community. However, restraint must never be mistaken for weakness. Continued silence and denial only deepen mistrust and further endanger peace between communities.
“The NPF, MSU firmly states that truth cannot be hidden through public denial. The families of the six men deserve answers. The people deserve the truth. Humanity demands accountability.”
We strongly demand:
1. Immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of the six abducted Naga brothers.
2. Safe and unconditional return of the abducted men without further delay.
3. Accountability for those responsible for this inhuman act.
“The Naga people have shown patience and restraint despite immense pain and provocation. However, silence and denial cannot erase the cries of grieving families. Until the truth is revealed, the NPF, MSU will continue to stand with the affected families and the Naga people in unity, solidarity, and justice” added the press statement issued by Awangbow Newmai, President, NPF, MSU.
