IMPHAL, May 17: The United Naga Council (UNC) on Sunday evening announced the launch of an “inter-district economic blockade” along national highways passing through Naga areas of Manipur following the expiry of the deadline for the safe release of six remaining Naga hostages allegedly held by “Kuki militants”.
The UNC stated that the blockade would continue with immediate effect until the safe rescue and release of the remaining hostages were ensured.
According to the organisation, it had earlier issued an ultimatum to the Government of Manipur on May 14 demanding the immediate and safe release of 20 Naga civilians allegedly held hostage at Leilon Vaiphei village and Sapermaina Kuki village within 24 hours.
Related Posts:
The UNC said 14 hostages were released on the morning of May 15, but six persons, including two pastors, continued to remain in captivity.
The organisation further stated that the Manipur government had sought additional time until 2 pm on May 16 to trace and release the remaining hostages. The deadline was later extended again to facilitate search operations and rescue efforts.
However, according to the UNC, the six hostages had still not been rescued despite repeated extensions and continued operations by the state machinery. “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 organisation said in its statement. (NNN)
