31 Kuki, Naga hostages released in Manipur

Guwahati: Thirty-one of the 38 people, belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities, abducted earlier this week in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts of Manipur, were released on Friday, the state government officials said.

A gang of armed men had ambushed civilian vehicles on May 13 at Zero Point, which lies between Kotlen and Kotzim Inter Village Road. Three people were killed and four others were injured in the attack. Manipur Police has registered a case and are investigating the matter.

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"In the aftermath of the incident, a number of civilians belonging to different communities were detained near Leilon Vaiphei, Saparmeina villages (Kangpokpi district) and Senapati district," the statement from the state government said. "Public leaders and all security forces made concerted efforts to trace these persons and get them released. As a result of the joint efforts..., the majority of the detained civilians...have been safely released."

It said efforts are on for the safe release of those still being held hostage. "At least six Naga men remain untraceable," a police official said.