Women in Manipur's Naga-inhabited areas of Senapati district protested on Wednesday, demanding the immediate release of six hostages allegedly held by armed Kuki militants for the past eight days.
The protest was organised by the Koubru Range Naga Women's Union, Kanglatongbi CSOs and surrounding villages at Tribal market, New Checkon and Imphal East.
Slogans such as "Let's speak louder than guns," "No to abduction and violence," "Protect innocent lives," "Human rights for every community," and "We stand for peace and justice" were chanted.
The banners read: "Innocent Naga civilians held hostage by Kuki armed militants." Another banner read: "We demand immediate and unconditional release of the other six innocent hostages abducted by Kuki militants at Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village, Kangpokpi district, Manipur."
United Naga Council (UNC), the community's apex body, demanded the safe release of the hostages or the handover of their remains if they have been killed.
The hostage crisis began on May 13 after unknown persons killed four civilians including three church leaders, in two separate incidents in Kangpokpi and Noney districts.
UNC alleged that six Naga civilians (all male) are still held hostage by armed Kuki militants.
