Kuki, Naga orgs seek safe release of hostages

Imphal: The Kuki and Naga communities have demanded the safe release of hostages abducted on May 13 following the killing of three members of Thadou Baptist Association India in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) served a four-day ultimatum to the state government to ensure the safe release and handover of six Naga hostages, warning that failure to do so could lead to a boycott of the state government.The Kuki Inpi Manipur demanded that 14 Kuki hostages held by Nagas be handed over “without any delay” and announced a nationwide rally on May 30.After the May 13 incident, National Highway-2 from Kangpokpi to Senapati was held for ransom as Nagas embargoed economic supplies for Kukis and Kukis restricted movements for Nagas passing through Kangpokpi district.