Lamka: The Women’s Wing of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has launched an indefinite dharna demanding justice for the killing of three Kuki-Zo pastors and the immediate release of 14 Kuki-Zo men who have allegedly been held hostage since May 13, 2026.
In a press release issued today, the ITLF Women’s Wing stated that the protest began on June 2, expressing deep concern over what it described as the continued failure of authorities to take meaningful action against those responsible for the killings and abductions.
The organisation said more than three weeks have passed since the incidents occurred, yet the perpetrators behind the murder of the three pastors remain at large while the hostages continue to be unlawfully detained, causing immense suffering to their families and communities.
According to the statement, the continued captivity of the 14 Kuki-Zo civilians by the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) represents a grave violation of the rule of law and a direct challenge to the authority of the Indian state.
The Women’s Wing alleged that the inability of the authorities to secure the release of the hostages or prosecute those responsible has further deepened public anxiety and fostered a culture of impunity.
The organisation strongly condemned NSCN-IM and its alleged proxy outfit ZUF-K for the killing of the three pastors, while also accusing the SDSA of involvement in the ongoing hostage crisis.
It further condemned all individuals, groups and organisations that, according to the statement, have aided, supported, justified or remained complicit in the crimes.
As part of its agitation, the ITLF Women’s Wing placed four key demands before the authorities. These include the immediate and unconditional release of all 14 Kuki-Zo hostages, swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the murder of the pastors and the abduction of Kuki-Zo civilians, and immediate intervention by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to ensure justice and secure the safe release of the hostages.
The organisation also demanded initiation of appropriate legal action against the SDSA and all others allegedly found complicit in the unlawful acts.
The Women’s Wing asserted that the dharna would continue until the hostages are safely reunited with their families and all those responsible for the crimes are brought to justice.
