UNC has imposed an economic blockade across Naga areas in Manipur after six alleged Naga hostages, including two pastors, remained untraced.
Imphal, May 18: The Working Committee of the United Naga Council (UNC) has announced an indefinite inter-district economic blockade along National Highways passing through Naga areas in Manipur over the continued detention of six alleged Naga hostages by suspected Kuki militant groups.
In a public statement issued on May 17, the UNC said the blockade would remain in force “with immediate effect” until the “safe rescue and release” of the remaining hostages is ensured.
According to the statement, the UNC had earlier submitted an ultimatum to the Government of Manipur on May 14, demanding the immediate and safe release of 20 Naga civilians allegedly held hostage at Leilon Vaiphei village and Sapermaina Kuki village within 24 hours.
The council stated that 14 of the hostages were released on the morning of May 15 following intervention and search efforts by the state government. However, the remaining six individuals, including two pastors, are yet to be traced.
The UNC said the state government had sought additional time until 2 pm on May 16 to continue search operations and secure the release of the remaining civilians. The deadline was subsequently deferred twice further to facilitate ongoing operations, the statement added.
“Even after these deferments, the six Naga innocent civilians are still being held hostage by the Kuki militants,” the UNC alleged, adding that reports received by the organisation indicated that state agencies had not been able to trace or rescue them despite extended deadlines.
The organisation said the failure to secure the release of the remaining hostages had compelled it to launch the blockade.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in parts of Manipur following recent violence in Kangpokpi district and adjoining areas. Earlier reports had indicated the killing of three church leaders in an ambush and the death of a civilian in Noney district during separate incidents linked to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
There was no immediate response from the Government of Manipur or Kuki organisations regarding the latest allegations made by the UNC at the time of filing this report.
The blockade is expected to affect transportation and movement of goods along key highway routes connecting the hill districts and the Imphal valley if the standoff continues.
