Fresh tension in Ukhrul after 20 civilians held captive

Fresh tension flared up in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Wednesday after 20 civilian passengers, including a pastor and women, were reportedly held captive by suspected militants along the Ukhrul-Imphal road.
Reports said armed miscreants suspected to be cadres of a militant group intercepted Winger van at Shangkhai while they were travelling from Ukhrul towards Imphal.
According to sources, passengers travelling on the Ukhrul-Imphal route were stopped near Mongkot Chephu village by armed militants. Unverified reports circulating on social media claimed that the vehicle was forcibly stopped and the passengers were taken away at Shangkhai and Mongkot Chephu villages, which are reportedly Kuki-dominated areas under Ukhrul district.
Meanwhile, considering the gravity of the situation, Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh immediately directed senior police and administrative officials to closely monitor the situation and take steps to secure the safe release of the civilians.
He warned that stringent action would be taken against those responsible for any unlawful act and appealed to those involved to ensure the safe and unconditional release of the captives.
In a statement, the chief minister expressed concern over the incident and termed it a “cowardly act”, assuring that the government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
Earlier, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) submitted a representation to the deputy commissioner of Ukhrul seeking immediate government intervention for the safe release of the civilians.
The organisation stated that the incident was a grave violation of basic human rights and freedom of movement along the vital road connecting Ukhrul and Imphal, adding that the continued captivity of innocent travellers had created fear and distress among their families.
Meanwhile, according to Newmai News Network, TNL in a statement said it “took serious note of the abduction and taking hostage of more than 20 Naga civilian passengers, including senior citizens, women and children,” allegedly by Kuki militants at Shangkai village. Condemning the incident, TNL alleged that the act was carried out “in full view of the central security forces” and described it as “nothing but a pre-planned act of violence targeting the Nagas.”