Correspondent
IMPHAL, MAY 23 (NPN): Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday informed a delegation of the United Naga Council (UNC) that the case relating to the six abducted Naga villagers would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The chief minister also stated that the recent killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13 had already been handed over to the NIA for investigation.
According to a release issued by the CM’s secretariat, the assurance was given during a meeting held at the secretariat in Imphal, where UNC delegation discussed the persisting hostage stand-off and prevailing law and order situation in the State.
UNC delegation, led by president NG Lorho, included vice president N. Poujan Golmei, L. Adani Mao, Samson Remmei, former UNC president KS Paul Leo, and member secretary of Working Committee United Naga Council AC Thotso. On the government side, the talks were attended by deputy chief minister Losii Dikho, home minister Govindas Konthoujam and several Naga MLAs.
During the meeting, UNC demanded immediate tracing and rescue of the six Naga villagers allegedly abducted by suspected Kuki militants from Konsakhul in Kangpokpi district on May 13. Khemchand informed the delegation that search and rescue operations had been underway since May 14 to trace the missing villagers.
He also appealed to the UNC to assist in securing the release of 14 Kuki civilians reportedly held captive since the beginning of the incident, while urging Kuki communities to cooperate in tracing the six missing Nagas.
The chief minister further appealed to all communities to extend support to the government in restoring peace and normalcy in the State.
It may be mentioned that more than 38 persons were abducted and held hostage in separate incidents in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following the killing of three church leaders belonging to the Thadou tribe on May 13.
While 31 persons, including 12 Liangmai Naga women and 16 Kuki men, were later released, the remaining six Naga men continue to remain missing.