The United Naga Council leaders. A file photo sourced
Imphal, May 17 (NNN): With the expiry of the deadline (6 pm of May 17) for the safe release of six Nagas held hostage by the “Kuki militants”, the United Naga Council (UNC) announced on Sunday evening the launching of what it called an “inter-district economic blockade along the national highways in the Naga areas in Manipur with immediate effect until the safe rescue and release of the Naga hostages are duly carried out”.
UNC had submitted an ultimatum to the Government of Manipur on May 14 for the immediate and safe release of 20 Naga hostages held by the “Kuki militant groups” at Leilon Vaiphei village and Sapermaina Kuki village within 24 hours. On the morning of May 15, 14 of the Naga hostages were released but leaving the fate of the remaining six which include two pastors.
“Given the situation, we are constrained to launch an inter-District economic blockade along
the national highways in the Naga areas in Manipur with immediate effect until the safe rescue and release of the Naga hostages are duly carried out,” the UNC announced.
Meanwhile, NSCN-IM has categorically rejected and strongly condemned the allegations, accusations and “inflammatory narratives” circulated in the press statement issued by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Delhi & NCR dated May 16, “regarding the circumstances brought about by their own narco-terrorist groups/organisations in Manipur state of India”.
The NSCN-IM said the statement of the Kuki student body is reckless, unverified, politically motivated, and deliberately designed to provoke communal mistrust and further deepen tensions among communities that have already suffered immensely due to ongoing unrest. The NSCN-IM further said the “repeated attempt” to selectively label communities, organisations, and individuals without credible judicial findings or lawful evidence is irresponsible and unacceptable.
