Imphal, May 14: Amid escalating tensions and fresh violence in Manipur that has reportedly claimed at least four lives, the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) on Thursday issued a 12-hour ultimatum demanding the release of an alleged Naga hostage.
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In a public statement dated May 14, the JTCM - representing Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities - warned of “untoward incidents, consequences, or violent escalations” if the hostage was not released unharmed before 6:00 am on May 15.
The statement, titled “Ultimatum – Release Naga Hostage Within 12 Hours,” described the notice as a “final and unequivocal intimation to the Kuki community.”
“If the Naga hostage is not released unharmed and within the next 12 hours from the time of this notice, then any and all untoward incidents, consequences, or violent escalations that follow shall be entirely and solely borne by the Kukis,” the statement read.
The council further stated that the Kuki community would be “held fully accountable for every drop of blood shed, every property destroyed, and every life lost thereafter,” adding that “this is not a threat, this is a consequence.”
The ultimatum comes amid renewed unrest in parts of Manipur following recent attacks and abduction allegations involving members of different communities.
Earlier on Thursday, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said that more than 38 people from both Naga and Kuki communities were reportedly being held hostage by different groups across the state amid the ongoing tensions.
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The minister said the government was actively engaging with civil society organisations and political leaders to secure the safe release of those detained and prevent further escalation of violence in the hill districts.
The JTCM statement was jointly signed by Merachao Inka, Timothy Wijunamai, K.C. Savio and HP Ningdaung, who are office bearers of various Naga tribal organisations under the council.
Security agencies have intensified monitoring in sensitive areas as fears grow over further communal clashes and retaliatory violence.
