Manipur: Over 38 from Naga, Kuki communities being held hostage by several groups, says minister

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Thursday said that “more than 38 people” belonging to the Naga and Kuki communities have been held hostage by several groups in the state, PTI reported.

“We are actively holding discussions with civil society groups and political leaders to secure their release,” the news agency quoted Konthoujam as telling reporters.

Fresh violence erupted in Manipur on Wednesday after three church leaders were killed and five others injured when the vehicles they were travelling in were ambushed while they were returning from a meeting in Churachandpur to Kangpokpi.

While the apex body of the Kuki tribes, Kuki Inpi Manipur, alleged that the armed Naga group Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson faction was behind the attack, the authorities said that the involvement of militant outfits was being investigated.

Another civilian was killed and his wife wounded in Noney district, PTI reported.

Shutdowns were also called for by the Kuki Zo and Naga communities in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Chandel districts in the state to protest the killings.

The developments come amid tensions between Kukis and Nagas in Ukhrul that had erupted on February 7 after an alleged assault involving members of the Tangkhul Naga and the Kuki-Zo communities escalated into clashes.

Killing of the church leaders

The Kuki Inpi had identified the three church leaders killed on Wednesday as Reverend V Sitlhou, Reverend...

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