Imphal, March 12: Twenty civilians who were allegedly taken hostage by an armed group in Shangkai village of Manipur were released safely early on Thursday morning after several hours of tension in the region.
According to sources, the passengers from Ukhrul were freed around 4 am on March 12 and brought to Litan Police Station, where they were handed over to representatives of Tangkhul civil society organisations. After their release, the group began their journey back to Ukhrul.
The incident had triggered fresh anxiety in parts of the district after around 20 civilians were reportedly taken hostage by an armed group on Wednesday, March 11.
Following the abduction, Tangkhul Naga Long issued a two-hour ultimatum to the state and central governments, demanding the immediate rescue and safe release of the civilians.
Meanwhile, N. Biren Singh appealed for the captives to be released on humanitarian grounds.
Sources later confirmed that all the civilians were released early on Thursday morning, bringing relief to their families and easing the tense situation in the district.
