ANSAM Demands Immediate Release of Naga Hostages in Manipur

The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has urged the Manipur government to release six Naga hostages, initiating a solidarity march. Concurrently, the All Manipur Nupi Marup organized a protest rally demanding hostages' release. Manipur Congress and Naga Peoples Union have also intervened, seeking justice for the abducted individuals.

The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) on Friday issued a strong call for the Manipur government to promptly release six Naga hostages, urging that they be safely returned to their families and the Naga community. ANSAM President Th. Angteshang Maring emphasized the urgency, having organized a solidarity march supporting their cause, coupled with an ultimatum to the state government.

Speaking to ANI, Maring expressed, 'We demand the state government to act swiftly and release the hostages to their families and the Naga people.' Concurrently, on May 28, security was heightened around Irawat Bhavan in Imphal following a protest by the All Manipur Nupi Marup, who also insist on the immediate release of the hostages, even submitting a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla concerning the crisis.

The protestors have rallied behind banners that demanded an end to such abductions. The Assistant Secretary of All Manipur Nupi Marup, Ningthoujam Premila, highlighted the purpose of their demonstration, stating, 'Our rally aims to bring people's grievances to the forefront, urging leaders to address the ongoing crises.' Meanwhile, Manipur Congress, led by President Keisham Meghachandra Singh, filed a complaint to the NHRC, and the Naga Peoples Union echoed similar demands with rallies and memorandums, hoping for swift action as previous hostages were released only after complex negotiations.