Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Saturday that the case related to the kidnapping of six Naga villagers by militants would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency, even as he appealed to Kuki groups to help secure the release of the hostages.
The announcement was made during a meeting between the Prime Minister and a six-member delegation of the United Naga Council (UNC), an apex body of the Naga, at his official residence in Imphal, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
The UNC delegation urged the government to intensify efforts to track down the six Naga villagers who were kidnapped from Konsakhul village in Kangbukpi district, the statement said. “The Prime Minister informed the UNC delegation that the case of the six kidnapped Nagas will be handed over to the NIA,” the statement said.
Kemchand also said that the killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13 has already been handed over to the NIA for investigation.
The Prime Minister said search and rescue operations have been underway since May 14 to trace the missing villagers. He appealed to the United Nations Command to help secure the release of 14 civilians from Kuki, who, according to the government, have also remained in captivity since the outbreak of violence.
He also appealed to Kuki community leaders to cooperate in tracking down the six kidnapped villagers and urged all communities to support efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
Tensions escalated between the Naga and Kuki groups after the double ambush in Kangpokpi and Nonni districts on May 13, which left four people dead, including three church leaders and a Naga man.
According to officials, 31 people kidnapped during the violence – 14 survivors, 16 Kuki and one Miti – have since been released. However, 14 Kukis and six Nagas are still being held hostage.
