Imphal, March 12 (NationPress) A total of 21 civilians from the Naga community, who were held captive by villagers and armed individuals from the Kuki community in Manipur's Ukhrul district, were set free on Thursday following extensive negotiations, according to officials.

A police spokesperson in Imphal reported that these individuals, affiliated with the Tangkhul Naga community, were taken by Kuki villagers and armed personnel at Shangkai while traveling in three vehicles along the Ukhrul-Imphal route on Wednesday afternoon.

After prolonged discussions involving state government representatives and leaders from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of both the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities, the hostages were released early Thursday morning. Post-release, the civilians were escorted to Litan police station and subsequently reunited with their families.

On Wednesday, there was heightened tension in the Tangkhul Naga-majority Ukhrul district, particularly in regions adjacent to the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district. Security forces undertook search operations to avert any unforeseen incidents.

The Tangkhul Naga Long (Working Committee), the supreme organization representing the Tangkhul Nagas in Manipur, had previously issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding the safe return of over 20 Naga civilians detained in Shangkai, a village predominantly inhabited by Kuki community members.

The Tangkhul tribe is the largest among the Naga tribes in Manipur and primarily resides in five to six districts within the state.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed deep concern regarding the alarming situation along the Ukhrul-Imphal route, where innocent civilians were reportedly held against their will in the vicinity of Litan Police Station.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office emphasized that the Chief Minister urged those accountable to adhere to the highest standards of humanity and facilitate the swift and unconditional release of all civilians.

He assured the victims' families and the public that the government was taking the situation seriously and would do everything necessary to ensure that the perpetrators of this cowardly act face justice.

CM Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to the safety of every resident of Manipur, directing senior police and administrative officials to coordinate immediate actions to closely monitor the situation and secure the release of all civilians.

The Chief Minister also urged all Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and stakeholders to assist in defusing the situation. He cautioned that strict measures would be enforced against those engaging in any unlawful activities and called on everyone to refrain from violence.

A significant number of security personnel, led by senior police officials, swiftly moved to the area to initiate a combing operation aimed at rescuing the captives and detaining the suspected kidnappers. The Shangkai Village Authority has also appealed to the government and relevant authorities for urgent intervention to safeguard and secure the release of its villagers who are currently detained while also seeking the whereabouts of missing individuals. The village authority further called on officials to take prompt measures to prevent further escalation and restore peace and security to the region.

In February, violent clashes over territorial disputes erupted between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities at Litan Sareikhong, resulting in the destruction of over 30 homes belonging to both groups.