Imphal(Manipur),June 9: Armed groups freed 14 Kuki civilians in Manipur on Tuesday, nearly a month after their abduction from hill villages. The whereabouts of six Naga hostages taken in the same incident remain unknown.
The United Naga Council and Naga People’s Organisation handed the Kuki civilians to police in Senapati district on Tuesday evening.
The abductions occurred in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following May 13 violence that killed three church leaders in Kangpokpi. At least 50 people from Kuki and Naga communities were held by different groups. About 30 were released earlier this month. Security forces continue combing operations to locate the remaining hostages.
Community groups representing both Naga and Kuki have staged continuous protests demanding the safe return of those still captive.
