UKHRUL: The Tangkhul Naga civilians who were held captive at Shangkai village in Ukhrul district by the Kuki community on Wednesday have been released following intense negotiations involving the state government and civil organizations from both the communities.
A passenger vehicle (Winger Van) was reportedly hijacked and the passengers, travelling from Ukhrul to Imphal, were held hostage allegedly by Kuki militants on Wednesday.
As per reports, the 21 Tangkhul civilians were released early Thursday. They were received by family members at the Tangkhul Naga Long office in Ukhrul district headquarters.
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On Wednesday, following the incident, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the Tangkhul apex body, issued an ultimatum demanding the state government and the central government to immediately rescue the hostages within 2 hours.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchandof Manipur had also appealed for the safe and immediate release of civilians. The chief minister stated that the government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and will take all necessary steps to book those responsible for what he described as a “cowardly act.”