The representatives of Tangkhul civil society organisations received 21 persons, which includes 5 females and 16 males. Later, they were handed over to their family members. However, two vehicles, one alto car and one Baleno car along with the mobile phones of the 21 persons, are yet to be returned by the miscreants.               

 

The release reportedly arrived at after intense pressure from the State Government. The civilians were kidnapped by unknown armed miscreants at Shangkai Kuki Village in the Ukhrul district of Manipur yesterday morning when they were en route to Imphal from Ukhrul along National Highway 102 near the Shangkai Kuki village area and taken to an undisclosed location.

 

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand yesterday expressed profound concern on kidnapping incident and appealed to those responsible to uphold the highest traditions of humanity and ensure the safe and unconditional release of all the civilians at the earliest. He said that the Government is treating the matter seriously and will take all necessary steps to book the culprits involved in such a cowardly act.

 

Mr Khemchand also directed senior police and administrative officials to coordinate immediate efforts to keep a vigil of the situation and secure the release of all the civilians.