21-naga-civilians-released-post-overnight-negotiations-in-ukhrul

Twenty-one Tangkhul Naga civilians who were detained by villagers and armed men from the Kuki community in Manipur’s Ukhrul district were released early Thursday following intensive negotiations, officials said.

 

The civilians were travelling in three vehicles when they were detained by Kuki villagers and armed men at Shangkai village on Wednesday afternoon. Their release came after discussions involving the state government and civil society organisations from both the Naga and Kuki communities.

 

“Following intense negotiations involving the state government and civil society organisations from both the Naga and Kuki communities, the detained civilians were released around 4 am,” an official said.

 

After their release, the civilians were taken to Litan police station, located about 5 km from Shangkai, where they were reunited with their families.

 

However, tension continued to prevail on Thursday morning in the Tangkhul Naga-majority Ukhrul district, particularly in areas bordering the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district. Security forces have been conducting patrols to prevent any further incidents, officials said.

 

 

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand expressed “profound concern” over the situation along the Ukhrul–Imphal Road, where civilians were reportedly held captive under the jurisdiction of Litan police station.

 

He appealed to those responsible to “uphold the highest traditions of humanity” and ensure the safe and unconditional release of the civilians. The chief minister also assured that the government is treating the matter seriously and would take necessary action against those involved.

 

Meanwhile, the Shangkai Village Authority alleged that “Tangkhul volunteers” had fired upon villagers who were working in their fields, prompting the detention of the civilians.

 

The authority also claimed that two members of the Kuki community who had gone to repair a water pipeline were fired upon and remain missing.

 

Officials said gunfights between armed groups from the two communities were also reported in nearby areas of Thawai Kuki and Mahadeva in Ukhrul district on Wednesday, further heightening tensions in the region.