Tahamzam Youth Forum backed the NVG ultimatum over six missing Naga civilians and criticised alleged attacks and silence over the abduction issue.
Imphal, May 23: Tahamzam Youth Forum (TYF) has extended support to the ultimatum issued by the Naga Village Guard Northern Command (NVG-NC) regarding the six Naga civilians who remain missing after the May 13 abduction incident allegedly involving the Kuki National Front-Presidential group (KNF-P).
In a press communique issued on Friday, TYF stated that the Naga community had exercised “patience, restraint and maturity” despite what it described as repeated provocations, conflicting narratives and emotional trauma following the abduction of civilians.
According to the organisation, 18 Naga civilians travelling with family members, including women and children, were abducted on May 13. TYF said 14 of them were later released through what it termed humanitarian efforts and exchanges, while six civilians continue to remain unaccounted for.
The organisation alleged that the abductions were carried out by KNF-P, which it described as a “Kuki narco-terrorist group.” No official confirmation regarding the allegations was immediately available.
TYF criticised sections of Kuki civil society groups and organisations for issuing appeals centred on peace, brotherhood and Christian values while, according to the forum, remaining silent over the fate of the missing civilians.
The statement questioned why there had allegedly been no strong public response from those groups during the period when Naga families were seeking information regarding the whereabouts and safety of the abducted civilians.
“Do not merely preach peace, brotherhood, humanity and morality through press releases,” the forum stated, adding that the Naga people had consistently respected the decisions and appeals of Naga civil society organisations in the larger interest of peace and stability.
The youth body also alleged that while public statements advocating peace were being made, armed attacks had reportedly taken place against Naga villagers in different areas on May 22.
According to TYF, armed individuals described as “Kuki refugee militants” allegedly attacked Naga farmers at Pongringlong, also referred to as Charoi Pandongba, near Tupul in Noney district at around 2:20 pm on Thursday. The organisation further alleged that armed men opened indiscriminate fire from Mongkot Chephu village targeting a resident of Sharkapung village.
The claims could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
TYF said such incidents contradicted public appeals for peace and reflected what it described as “insincere” attempts at reconciliation.
The forum also stated that Naga civil society organisations, volunteers and youth groups had worked to ensure the safety of civilians, students, workers and patients without discrimination during periods of heightened tension in the region.
According to the statement, the Naga community had demonstrated humanitarian considerations beyond communal lines and prioritised the protection of human life despite volatile circumstances.
At the same time, TYF warned against what it called “manipulation of narratives” and “psychological warfare” targeting the Naga community. It said Naga youths were now more vigilant and conscious of developments affecting their people and territory.
The organisation further endorsed the stand taken by NVG-NC, including the proposed transfer of detainees to the Naga Village Guard Western Command (NVG-WC) in Tamenglong if the six missing civilians are not released.
TYF said the move reflected the growing sentiments among the Naga public under the present circumstances.
The forum also called on Naga organisations and leaders to stand with what it described as the collective will and interests of the Naga people, stating that “history will remember” those who chose silence or compromise during the crisis.
It cautioned against “selective neutrality” and emotional appeals while the missing civilians remain untraced. According to TYF, the pain, anger and sentiments of the Naga people could no longer be ignored.
The statement concluded by asserting that the younger generation of Nagas remained united, alert and prepared to defend the dignity and collective interests of the community.
