Fourteen members of the Kuki community who had been held captive for nearly four weeks were released on Tuesday, while the whereabouts of six abducted Naga villagers remain unknown, officials said.
According to a police official, the 14 Kuki villagers were handed over to authorities in Senapati district by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) on Tuesday afternoon.
The release comes amid continuing tension in parts of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, where incidents of abduction and violence have heightened ethnic anxieties since May 13.
“Concerned authorities have taken custody of the released individuals, and further details regarding the circumstances of their captivity and release are awaited,” the official said.
However, despite extensive search operations by central and state security forces over the past four weeks, there has been no breakthrough in tracing the six Naga villagers who were allegedly abducted on the same day.
Officials said at least 20 people — six Nagas and 14 Kukis — remained untraced after being allegedly abducted by armed groups following violent incidents in the hill districts. The unrest was triggered by attacks on May 13 in Kangpokpi district in which three church leaders were killed and four others injured.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Authorities estimate that nearly 50 people from both communities were initially taken hostage by different armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. Around 30 hostages were released on May 14 and 15 following intervention by security agencies, community leaders and civil society organisations.
The continued disappearance of the six Naga villagers has sparked protests and demonstrations by Naga organisations demanding their immediate and safe release. Kuki groups have also staged protests seeking the rescue of members of their community.
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had earlier announced that investigations into the abduction of the six Naga villagers and the killing of the three church leaders had been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a detailed probe.
With the release of the 14 Kuki hostages, attention has now shifted to the fate of the six missing Naga villagers, whose families and community organisations continue to await answers.
