Amid hostage crisis & bandhs in Manipur, CM appeals for dialogue

Bikash Singh

Guwahati: As a hostage crisis continues to grip Manipur, chief minister Y Khemchand Singh on Friday appealed to the people of the state to come forward for talks and refrain from resorting to bandhs or blockades.

Speaking at the inauguration of a bridge in Imphal West district, Singh said, "Enforcing bandhs and blockades out of anger towards the government only leads to hardship, particularly for daily wage earners."


Both Naga and Kuki-dominated areas are currently witnessing economic blockades and shutdowns. More than 2,000 trucks remain stranded on National Highway-2 in Manipur. The abductions followed an incident on May 13, when unidentified armed men ambushed civilian vehicles, killing three civilians and injuring four others.

The apex body of Nagas in Manipur, the United Naga Council (UNC), has claimed that six men are being held captive by Kuki groups. On the other hand, Kuki groups have alleged that 14 members of their community are missing and are being held by Naga groups.

According to the state home department, initial reports indicated that more than 38 people had gone missing following the violence. However, authorities later stated that 32 individuals had since returned.

The UNC has sought the intervention of Union home minister Amit Shah for the immediate release of the six Naga civilians allegedly being held hostage.