Diaspora appeal for release of hostages

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 15 : The Indians in Korea (IIK) and Korea Manipuri Association (KMA) have called for safe release of the six individuals who have been taken hostage by Kuki-Zo-Hmar  militants following a fierce gunfight in Jiribam on  November 11.
While KMA said that the heinous act represents a blatant violation of human rights, IIK urged the Government of India to take swift and decisive action to secure the release of the hostages and address the escalating violence in Manipur.
IIK, in a statement signed by its president Prof Nagendra Kumar Kaushik, expressed deep concern over the abduction of six Meitei family members by Kuki-Zo-Hmar militants  in Jakuradhor Karong, Jiribam on November 11.
Saying that among the abductees are one elderly woman (60), a toddler (8 months), two children and two women, IIK appealed to the group concerned to release the hostages.
This deeply concerning incident  underscores the urgent need for peace and stability in the region, it said while appealing to authorities concerned and international community to ensure immediate and safe return of the abducted family members.
IIK went on to state that their appeal is not only to prevent further abductions but also to safeguard the dignity, rights and lives of all communities affected by the unrest in the region.
It appealed to all parties  involved to exercise restraint, work toward peace and recognise the human cost of violence.
IIK said that their appeal is supported by its sister organisations viz Bengali Association of Korea, Korea Tamil Organisation, Maratha Mandal Association, Indian Merchant Association of Korea and many others.
KMA, on the other hand, said that they vehemently condemn the abduction of the six Meitei family members.
These innocent individuals pose no threat to any party and their abduction underscores a severe disregard for humanitarian principles and human rights, KMA said.
KMA said that they also condemn the brutal killing of two elderly individuals in Modhupur, Borobekra in Jiribam on November 11.
Saying that Central and State authorities have  miserably failed to protect the lives and properties of civilians despite repeated appeals for action, KMA asked how the militants  operate so freely despite the deployment of tens of thousands of paramilitary forces in the region.
KMA appealed to the  Government and CSOs of Kuki-Zo-Hmar to secure the safe release of the abductees and take meaningful steps to  restore normalcy in Manipur.