Ukhrul: Twenty-one passengers, including six women, who were allegedly abducted by a Kuki group at Shangkai village along National Highway-202 in Ukhrul district, were rescued safely early Thursday morning amid the ongoing tensions in the region.
Officials said the rescued individuals were handed over to representatives of Tangkhul civil society organisations at Litan Police Station at around 4 am.
However, two private vehicles, an Alto and a Baleno, along with the mobile phones of the rescued passengers were not returned during the operation, sources said.
According to officials, the rescue operation was led by the district administration, with the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Ukhrul coordinating the effort. The team escorted the 21 passengers from Sijang Kuki village, located near the Sinai Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp, to Litan Police Station. Personnel of the Bihar Regiment also assisted in the operation.
Authorities said the safe release of the passengers was made possible through dialogue and coordination between the state government and representatives of civil society groups from both communities. Their intervention played a key role in securing the release of the captives.
On Wednesday evening, Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed deep concern over the incident reported along the Ukhrul–Imphal road, where civilians were allegedly held captive in the area under Litan Police Station.
The Chief Minister had appealed to those responsible to uphold humanitarian values and ensure the safe and unconditional release of the civilians at the earliest.
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He also assured the families of the victims and the public that the state government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and will take all necessary steps to bring those involved in the “cowardly act” to justice.
Singh reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of every citizen of the state.
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