Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has condemned the alleged abduction of 71-year-old Hemjang Haokip from Khunkho Kuki Village in Manipur’s Sadar Hills on Friday afternoon.
According to CoTU, Haokip was allegedly taken from the village at around 3 pm by armed cadres suspected to be associated with the NSCN-IM and the ZUF-Kamson faction. The committee described the incident as a serious provocation that could heighten communal tensions and undermine the fragile peace in the region.
CoTU alleged that the targeting of an elderly civilian was part of an attempt to create friction among communities and disturb their long-standing coexistence. The organisation also linked the incident to recent political and security developments in the region, including the suspension of an economic blockade by the United Naga Council (UNC).
The committee questioned how armed cadres of groups covered by ceasefire arrangements could allegedly operate openly with firearms during the day. It said such activities, if established, would raise serious concerns over compliance with ceasefire ground rules and the security situation in Kangpokpi district.
CoTU appealed to civil society organisations, church leaders and community elders to intervene on humanitarian grounds and help secure Haokip’s safe release.
The committee also urged the Governor of Manipur, the Security Advisor and local law enforcement agencies to launch an immediate search, register a formal case and take legal action against those responsible.
The allegations regarding the identity and affiliation of the abductors could not be independently verified.