Newmai News Network
Imphal | May 15
The United Naga Council (UNC) on Friday extended till 2 pm on Saturday its deadline for the release of six Naga hostages allegedly held captive by “Kuki groups” in Manipur following an emergency meeting with the state government in Senapati district.
The meeting between the UNC and the Manipur government was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall in Senapati at around 5 pm, consequent to the UNC ultimatum submitted to the state government on May 14.
According to the office of the UNC, both sides presented their positions and views during the meeting, after which the deadline earlier fixed at 6 pm on Friday was extended to 2 pm of May 16 on the request of the state government.
The extension was granted to enable the government “to verify and establish the status of people being held hostage and for eventual safe release,” the UNC said.
The UNC had on Thursday served a 24-hour ultimatum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh demanding the release of Naga hostages allegedly held by “Kuki groups.”
Tension continued to prevail in parts of the hill districts as six out of the 20 Nagas allegedly taken hostage at Leilon Vaiphei village and Sapermeina in Kangpokpi district remained untraced till Friday evening.
According to the UNC, 14 Naga hostages were released on Friday morning, while 16 Kukis who had been detained in Senapati district were released on Thursday evening and Friday morning.
Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) advised the public, particularly Nagas, to avoid travelling along the Senapati-Imphal road until further notice despite the official end of the agitation period declared by Kuki groups.
In a statement, the NPO expressed concern over the safety and security of civilians, saying recent incidents showed that Nagas could still be “taken hostage or even face threats to their precious lives and properties without any provocation”.
The organisation recalled that on May 13, “twenty innocent Nagas were taken hostage by the Kukis,” adding that six of them still remained in captivity and that their whereabouts and condition were unknown.
The NPO urged the public to remain alert and avoid travel along the route while taking utmost precautions in the interest of personal safety.
