Imphal, March 12: All 21 citizens of the Naga community, who were taken hostage by armed individuals and villagers from the Kuki community in Ukhrul district, were released on Thursday following extensive negotiations.
A police officer from Imphal reported that the Tangkhul Naga citizens were traveling in three vehicles on the Ukhrul-Imphal road when they were abducted by Kuki villagers and armed men in Shangkhai on Wednesday afternoon.
After intensive discussions between state government officials and leaders of civil society organizations from both the Naga and Kuki communities, the hostages were freed early Thursday. Following their release, the citizens were taken to Litang police station and later reunited with their families.
Tensions remained high in Ukhrul, which has a majority of Tangkhul Nagas, particularly in areas bordering the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district, due to the hostage situation. Security forces conducted search operations and area control measures to prevent any untoward incidents.
Previously, the Tangkhul Naga Long (executive committee), the apex body of the Tangkhul Nagas, issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding the safe release of over 20 Naga citizens held in the Kuki-majority village of Shangkhai. The Tangkhul are the largest Naga tribe, primarily found in five to six districts of the state.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed deep concern over the alarming situation on the Ukhrul-Imphal road. A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office indicated that Singh urged those responsible to uphold the highest values of humanity and ensure the safe and unconditional release of all citizens. He assured the victims’ families and the public that the government is taking this matter seriously and will take all necessary steps to bring the perpetrators of this cowardly act to justice.
Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of every citizen in Manipur. He instructed senior police and administrative officials to closely monitor the situation and to coordinate immediately to ensure the release of all citizens. The Chief Minister also appealed to all civil society organizations and stakeholders to help calm the situation, warning that strict action would be taken against anyone responsible for illegal activities.
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