Senapati, May 19: The United Naga Council (UNC) on Tuesday issued a strongly worded press statement alleging that 18 innocent Naga civilians, including women and a minor child, were abducted by suspected Kuki militants at Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13, while also raising concern over the reported abduction of two Salesian brothers at Saparmeina under Saparmeina Police Station. In a statement issued from its Tahamzam (Senapati Headquarters), the UNC claimed that the hostages were intercepted between 10:30 am and 10:50 am while travelling in separate vehicles between Konsakhul village and Leimakhong area. The organisation alleged that the victims, who included church leaders, women and civilians, were forcibly taken at Leilon Vaiphei village.
According to the UNC, among those reportedly abducted were Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai of Leimakhong Baptist Church, Pastor Kenpibou of Juna West (Harup), several civilians including women and relatives travelling in different vehicles, as well as other residents heading toward their respective destinations. The Council stated that out of the 18 hostages, 12 persons, including women and an infant, were released on May 14, but claimed that the whereabouts and condition of the remaining six male hostages remain unknown. Those still reportedly missing were identified as Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Pastor Kenpibou, Phenrilung Chawang, Dilip Thiumai, Phenroungwi Thiumai and Kaliwangbou Abonmai. UNC further claimed that the last phone call made to Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai was around 10:50 am on May 13, after which his phone reportedly became switch-off. In its statement, the Council accused the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) of denying knowledge of the missing hostages despite eyewitness accounts and surviving victims allegedly witnessing the abduction in broad daylight. The UNC alleged that the six remaining hostages were forcibly removed from vehicles in front of women, children and fellow civilians.
The organisation also linked the incident to the May 13 ambush on Thadou church leaders between Kotlen and Kotzim in Kangpokpi district, describing the attacks as “premeditated” and accusing Kuki militant groups of attempting to divert public attention through protest rallies and public narratives. Demanding urgent action, the UNC called for the immediate and unconditional release of the six missing hostages if they are alive, and urged that their mortal remains be handed over to their families if they have died, so that proper Christian burial rites may be conducted. The Council maintained that the incident represented a serious humanitarian and security concern and urged responsible authorities and organisations to reveal the whereabouts and condition of the missing persons without further delay.
Users Today : 682
Total Users : 30950