28 Naga, Kuki hostages released in Manipur

According to officials, 14 individuals from each community were released following negotiations and intervention by security agencies after violent incidents occurred earlier this week.

The releases came a day after suspected armed militants launched separate attacks in Kangpokpi district and Noney district of Manipur on Wednesday, killing three church leaders and injuring four others, while in a separate incident in neighbouring Noney district, one civilian was killed while his wife sustained injuries.

Officials said the first group released included 14 members belonging to Naga community including 12 women and two men from Konsakhul village, Kangpokpi district who had allegedly been held in captivity by armed groups and were later handed over at Makhan village in the same district of Manipur.