Correspondent
MANIPUR, JUNE 1: The Manipur government has urged the United Naga Council (UNC) to lift the indefinite inter-district economic blockade imposed along national highways in Naga-dominated areas after the case of six missing Liangmai (Naga) men was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The six Liangmai tribe members, allegedly taken hostage by an armed Kuki group following an ambush that killed three Thadou church leaders on May 13, remain untraceable.
In a letter addressed to UNC president NG Lorho on May 31, Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar updated the council on the status of the case and the measures being taken by the government. The letter requested the UNC to facilitate the safe release of the missing persons and withdraw the economic blockade in the interest of the public.
The UNC has been enforcing an indefinite blockade since May 17 to protest the alleged abduction and continued captivity of Naga civilians by Kuki militant groups. According to the government, the case has now been transferred to the NIA for an independent, transparent and expeditious investigation. Security forces have also intensified cordon and search operations, combing exercises, area domination patrols and intelligence-based actions to trace the missing men.
The government assured that all those involved in the abduction would be identified and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law, regardless of their affiliation or status.
“Anyone found involved shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with law, irrespective of affiliation or status,” the letter stated, adding that efforts to identify and apprehend the culprits are continuing.
The government also expressed appreciation for the concerns raised by the UNC and the wider Naga community regarding the missing persons and the prevailing security situation.
“The Government of Manipur fully appreciates the concerns expressed by the UNC and the wider Naga community,” the letter said, reiterating that the safety and security of all citizens remain its foremost priority.
It further assured that the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and ground rules governing designated camps would continue to be strictly enforced, including the rationalisation and relocation of camps in coordination with the Government of India.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all citizens, strengthening security in vulnerable areas and maintaining peace and harmony among all communities.