Imphal, Mar 11 (NNN): Tension has erupted again in Ukhrul district of Manipur after a passenger vehicle was reportedly hijacked and the passengers held hostage allegedly by Kuki militants on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex Tangkhul body, has issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding “immediate rescue of the hostages taken by the Kuki militants at Shanghai village” under Ukhrul district. Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand also appealed to “those responsible to uphold the highest traditions of humanity and ensure the safe and unconditional release of all the civilians at the earliest”.
The Winger van carrying passengers was reportedly travelling from Ukhrul to Imphal on Wednesday morning.
In a statement, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) 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”.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has expressed profound concern regarding the distressing situation along the Ukhrul–Imphal road, “where innocent civilians have been reportedly held captive under the area covered by Litan police station”.
The chief minister appealed to those responsible to uphold the highest traditions of humanity and ensure the safe and unconditional release of all the civilians at the earliest. He assured the families of the victims and the public that the government is treating the matter seriously and will take all necessary steps to book the culprits involved in such a cowardly act. He further said that the government is committed to the safety of every citizen of Manipur.
A statement from the chief minister’s office said that Khemchand had directed senior police and administrative officials to coordinate immediate efforts to keep a vigil of the situation and secure the release of all the civilians. He also appealed to all civil society organisations and stakeholders to help calm down the situation.
