Imphal, May 27: The Manipur Congress on Wednesday alleged the BJP-led governments at the Centre and the state have been “silent spectators” when several people were abducted by armed groups, and many are still being held hostage.
Interacting with reporters on the sidelines of an event to mark the 62nd death anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, state Congress president Okram Ibobi Singh alleged that “there is no rule of law in this tiny state”.
“What immediate steps have been taken by the state and the central governments when the civilians were abducted? We strongly condemn it and demand that those held hostage be rescued immediately,” he said.
The three-term former chief minister also asked, “Why are both the state and Centre being silent spectators? Is there any hidden agenda?”
More than 38 people were abducted and held hostage by armed groups in Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13, hours after three church leaders were killed in an ambush.
Of them, 31 people have been released, including 12 Naga women and 16 Kukis. Six Naga men, however, continued to be held hostage, and their whereabouts are not yet known.
Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes in the state, claimed that 14 people from the community continued to be held hostage by Naga groups.
Manipur police chief Rajiv Singh on Monday said talks were being held and operations were underway to find the missing persons.
Four suspects were also apprehended by security forces from Kangpokpi district on Monday in connection with the abduction of the six Naga civilians.
Singh also alleged that the BJP only focuses on elections throughout the year. “They are not concerned about the future of the country.”
Speaking about Nehru, the country’s first prime minister, he said, “He tried to maintain good relations with all countries.”(PTI)
