According to first-hand reports, they were robbed of cash worth Rs. 8,55,000 and valuable personal items, including jewellery, wristwatches, mobile phones, and students’ educational documents, by the captors. The hostages were taken to various locations in separate vehicles before being rescued by the security forces and reunited with their families this morning.
In a press release issued by the Media Cell, Working Committee, TNL stated that “in the wee hours of Thursday, the 12th of March 2026, a combined team of State and Central security forces rescued 21 innocent Tangkhul Naga civilians after they were abducted and taken hostage in broad daylight by Kuki militants at Shangkai village under Litan Police Station yesterday. The rescued hostages, including senior citizens, women, and children, after enduring life-threatening and gruelling ordeals for nearly 24 hours, were safely brought back to Ukhrul with the assistance of the District Administration, Police, and Tangkhul Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
“According to first-hand reports, they were robbed of cash worth Rs. 8,55,000 and valuable personal items, including jewellery, wristwatches, mobile phones, and students’ educational documents by the captors. The hostages were taken to various locations in separate vehicles before being rescued by the security forces and reunited with their families this morning.
“This inhumane incident has caused serious concern among the peace-loving public, as it amounts to a grave violation of human rights and the law of the land. It also reflects the complete breakdown of law and order along National Highway 202-A, as the armed Kuki groups have taken the law into their own hands.
“The TNL conveys its profound gratitude to the State Government, elected representatives from the Naga community (Hon’ble Naga MLAs, and Hon’ble MP- Outer Manipur), the District Administration and Police, and the Security Forces for their timely intervention in resolving the hostage situation.
“Certain pertinent questions arose last night after the search and rescue effort for the alleged “six stranded Kukis” by the security forces was not permitted by the Thawai Kuki villagers. What was their agenda behind refusing to allow and cooperate with the rescue mission? Why were they buying time and only according their approval for the search and rescue operation this morning?
“It was unfortunate that the mortal remains of two Kuki men were found this morning in a forested area on the overlooking hill of Thawai Kuki village, which falls under Kamjong district. They were reportedly shot during the fateful crossfire between heavily armed narco-terrorists/Kuki militants guarding poppy fields and neighbouring village volunteers campaigning for the war on drugs.”
“Why are the Kuki armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) blatantly involved in narco-terrorism? This has been proven beyond doubt and officially reported and documented by government agencies. The incident that occurred yesterday was the precise fallout of such illegal activities perpetrated by the Kukis. The narco-terrorism being carried out by the Kukis has adversely affected the geopolitics of the state, the region, and even beyond the territorial limits of the country. Why are the State and Central Governments turning a blind eye and remaining inactive on such a grave matter for such a long period of time? added the statement issued by Media Cell, Working Committee, TNL
