United Naga Council has announced an inter-district economic blockade along national highways passing through Naga areas of Manipur following the expiry of its deadline for the safe rescue of six alleged hostages.
In a statement, the council said the blockade would continue with immediate effect until the remaining hostages are safely rescued and released.
According to the UNC, the organisation had earlier issued an ultimatum to the Manipur government on May 14, demanding the safe release of 20 Naga civilians allegedly held hostage by “Kuki militant groups” at Leilon Vaiphei village and Sapermaina Kuki village within 24 hours.
The council stated that 14 of the hostages were released on May 15. However, six others, including two pastors, were still reportedly in captivity.
The UNC further claimed that the state government had sought additional time until 2 pm on May 16 to carry out rescue operations and trace the remaining individuals. The deadline was later extended again to allow security forces to continue search operations in the area.
However, the organisation alleged that despite repeated extensions and ongoing operations, the six remaining civilians had not been rescued even after the extended deadline ended at 6 pm on May 17.
“Given the situation, we are constrained to launch an inter-district economic blockade along the national highways in the Naga areas in Manipur with immediate effect until the safe rescue and release of the Naga hostages are duly carried out,” the UNC stated.
