efforts-on-to-secure-release-of-remaining-hostages-in-manipur

Talks are underway among civil society organisations, representatives of the Manipur government and security forces to ensure the safe release of those who are still being held hostage by armed groups, officials said on Saturday.

 

Thirty-one of around 38 people belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities, who were held hostage by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, were released on Thursday and Friday.

 

These people were taken to undisclosed locations after suspected militants shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi on Wednesday, while a civilian was gunned down and his wife wounded in Noney district.

 

Police said all-out efforts were being made to ensure the “safe release of the remaining persons”.

 

In a statement, police said that as a result of the “concerted efforts” of the administration, security forces, political leaders and civil society organisations, the “majority of the detained civilians, belonging to different communities, have been released safely”.

Also read: Over 38 held hostage by different groups across state: Manipur HM

 

“Talks are going on among civil society organisations, representatives of the state government, security forces and Naga and Kuki stakeholders to ensure the safe release of those who are still being held hostage by armed groups,” an official said.

 

A senior officer said 12 Naga women from Konsakhul village, who were held captive by armed militants, were released at Makhan village.

 

Four men and 10 women belonging to the Kuki community, who were also held in captivity in Senapati district, were handed over to security forces late on Thursday night, he said.

 

“Two Salesian brothers of Don Bosco, including one from Nagaland, were also released by armed groups at separate locations,” the officer added.

On Thursday evening, three persons, including an 18-year-old woman belonging to the Kuki community, were handed over to police teams in Senapati district, another officer said.

 

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam had on Thursday said the government was actively holding discussions with civil society groups and political leaders to secure the release of those held captive.