At least 20 civilians have been allegedly taken hostage by armed miscreants in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, reports said on Wednesday.
Reportedly, a passenger vehicle was hijacked, and its passengers, believed to be from the Naga community, were held hostage by Kuki militants at Shangkai village.
The vehicle with passengers was travelling from Ukhrul to Imphal when the incident occurred.
Following the incident, Naga civil body Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) issued a two-hour ultimatum to the state and central governments demanding the immediate rescue of the civilians.
The organisation condemned the incident as a “pre-planned act of violence targeting the Naga community,” and expressed grave concern over the safety and whereabouts of the abducted individuals, who have reportedly been taken to an undisclosed location.
The TNL in a statement said, “Taking serious note of the abduction and taking hostage of more than 20 Naga civilian passengers, including senior citizens, women and children by the Kuki militants in full view of the central security forces today at Shangkai village, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) in no uncertain term condemns the same as nothing but a pre-planned act of violence targeting the Nagas.”
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Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed his deep concern regarding the issue and appealed to those responsible ensure unconditional release of all civilians at the earliest.
In a post on X, CM Singh said, “Deeply concerned by reports of civilians being held captive along the Ukhrul–Imphal road under Litan Police Station. I strongly urge those responsible to immediately release all civilians safely and unconditionally.”
“The Government is closely monitoring the situation, and strict action will be taken against those involved in this unlawful and cowardly act. Senior officials have been directed to act urgently. I appeal to all CSOs and stakeholders to help restore calm and maintain peace,” he added.
