RSS for rescue ops
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IMPHAL, May 18 : Drawing the attention of the Central and State leadership to the "mass hostage crisis" in Manipur, the Rashtrahit Sarvopari Sangathan has called for immediate synchronized rescue operations by the Indian Armed Forces, NIA and State paramilitary units to secure the unconditional release of all 20 Kuki-Zo and Naga civilians.
Stating that the crisis has mutated into an "intolerable hostage-taking paradigm" involving the two communities, the Sangathan noted the continued captivity of 14 Kuki-Zo and 6 Naga civilians (despite a partial hostage swap on May 15) and accused the armed groups of openly using these innocent citizens as political bargaining chips.
According to the Sangathan, the unreleased hostages include 13 Kuki-Zo civilians from Taphou Kuki village and one from Hengbung village, among whom are three minor students and a disabled individual along with 6 innocent Liangmai Naga civilians, including Church pastors abducted from Leilon Vaiphei.
The letter addressed to the President, Prime Minister and Union Home Minister of India and the Governor and Chief Minister of Manipur has further appealed for equal enforcement of law against "kidnapping syndicates", whether Naga or Kuki, who are engaged in taking civilian hostages, issuing ultimatums or enforcing "illegal blockades".
It has urged the authorities to deal them with overwhelming tactical military force.
In reference to the imposition of "illegal blockades", the Sangathan shared that the compounding hostage crisis has triggered "competitive shutdowns and inter-district economic blockades" by organizations on both sides along NH-2 and NH-37.
As there are reports of hundreds of supply trucks and passenger buses being stranded, the Sangathan has urged the Government to deploy adequate military convoys to forcefully clear the blockades on NH-2 and NH-37 and arrest the leadership of any civil or armed groups attempting to "starve or deprive citizens of essential supplies". The National Highways belong to the Union of India and its citizens, it noted. The Rashtrahit Sarpovari Sangathan stands firmly behind the State and Central machinery to enforce the absolute rule of law, asserted the letter.
Stating that the crisis has mutated into an "intolerable hostage-taking paradigm" involving the two communities, the Sangathan noted the continued captivity of 14 Kuki-Zo and 6 Naga civilians (despite a partial hostage swap on May 15) and accused the armed groups of openly using these innocent citizens as political bargaining chips.
According to the Sangathan, the unreleased hostages include 13 Kuki-Zo civilians from Taphou Kuki village and one from Hengbung village, among whom are three minor students and a disabled individual along with 6 innocent Liangmai Naga civilians, including Church pastors abducted from Leilon Vaiphei.
The letter addressed to the President, Prime Minister and Union Home Minister of India and the Governor and Chief Minister of Manipur has further appealed for equal enforcement of law against "kidnapping syndicates", whether Naga or Kuki, who are engaged in taking civilian hostages, issuing ultimatums or enforcing "illegal blockades".
It has urged the authorities to deal them with overwhelming tactical military force.
In reference to the imposition of "illegal blockades", the Sangathan shared that the compounding hostage crisis has triggered "competitive shutdowns and inter-district economic blockades" by organizations on both sides along NH-2 and NH-37.
As there are reports of hundreds of supply trucks and passenger buses being stranded, the Sangathan has urged the Government to deploy adequate military convoys to forcefully clear the blockades on NH-2 and NH-37 and arrest the leadership of any civil or armed groups attempting to "starve or deprive citizens of essential supplies". The National Highways belong to the Union of India and its citizens, it noted. The Rashtrahit Sarpovari Sangathan stands firmly behind the State and Central machinery to enforce the absolute rule of law, asserted the letter.