ANSAM calls for urgent action to trace six missing Naga men allegedly abducted at Leilon Vaiphei and seeks intervention from state and central authorities.
Imphal, May 22: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has expressed strong concern over the continued disappearance of six Naga men who were among a group of 18 persons, including a two-year-old child, allegedly abducted on May 13 at Leilon Vaiphei village.
In a press communiqué issued on Wednesday, ANSAM criticised a recent statement issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), which reportedly stated that it had no information regarding the whereabouts of the six missing individuals.
According to ANSAM, civilians who were allegedly abducted along with the missing men and later released have stated that the six individuals were separated from the larger group and taken elsewhere. Based on these claims, the organisation questioned the denial of information and called for immediate steps to establish the whereabouts of the missing persons.
The student body demanded that the six missing men be produced immediately and stated that, irrespective of their condition, their families should be informed and allowed closure.
ANSAM also raised questions regarding accountability at the local level. In the statement, the organisation said the Chief of Leilon village and residents of the area where the incident reportedly occurred should cooperate in ensuring that facts surrounding the incident are established.
The organisation further referred to the Chairman of UPF (KNF-P), stating that responsibility should be exercised to facilitate the safe release and recovery of the missing persons.
ANSAM also urged the Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and accountability fixed to support efforts aimed at tracing and recovering the abducted individuals.
Calling upon the Chief Minister and the Home Department of the Government of Manipur to intervene, the association said the matter requires urgent attention and cautioned against inaction at a sensitive time.
The organisation further expressed concern regarding the reported proximity of the incident area to the Leimakhong Army Camp and questioned whether adequate preventive or response measures had been undertaken. According to ANSAM, this has contributed to concerns among sections of the public regarding the effectiveness of security deployment in the area.
At the same time, ANSAM warned against the circulation of what it described as misinformation and fabricated narratives by certain groups, stating that such developments could further aggravate tensions and complicate efforts toward resolution.
Appealing to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the organisation sought immediate attention and intervention into the matter.
ANSAM stated that continued delay or failure to act decisively could deepen public concern and called for prompt measures to ensure accountability, establish facts, and secure justice for those affected.
