Tribal Group Demands Release of Elderly Man Abducted in Manipur

Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) is demanding the immediate release of 71-year-old Hemjang Haokip. Armed men allegedly snatched Haokip from his home in Khunkho Kuki Village on Friday at 3 pm. He is now missing.

CoTU suspects the culprits belong to the NSCN-IM and the ZUF-Kamson faction. The group says these armed cadres roam freely with weapons during daylight hours. This brazen behavior defies ceasefire ground rules in the Kangpokpi district. The committee warns the incident is a deliberate push to ignite communal violence.

"The committee described the incident as a serious provocation that could heighten communal tensions and undermine the fragile peace in the region."

Officials linked the kidnapping to recent political shifts, specifically the United Naga Council ending an economic blockade. CoTU is now pushing the Governor of Manipur, the Security Advisor, and local police to open a formal investigation. They want an urgent search and swift legal action. Church leaders and community elders are also being asked to step in for humanitarian reasons. The current identity of the abductors remains unverified.