Imphal, March 11 Tension remained high in the Ukhrul district of Manipur on Wednesday after several Tangkhul Naga civilians travelling along the Ukhrul-Imphal route were reportedly detained by villagers from another community, officials said.
The civilians were reportedly held at Shangkai village, about 5 km from the Litan police station.
The exact number of people detained is yet to be confirmed, an official added.
In February, clashes erupted between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities at Litan Sareikhong, resulting in the burning of more than 30 houses.
Tangkhul is the largest Naga tribe in Manipur.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand expressed "deep concern regarding the distressing situation along the Ukhrul-Imphal road, where innocent civilians have been reportedly held captive under the area covered by the Litan police station," according to a statement from the CM secretariat.
Singh appealed to those responsible to uphold the highest traditions of humanity and ensure the safe and unconditional release of all the civilians at the earliest, and assured the families of the victims and the public that the government is treating the matter seriously and will take necessary steps to book the culprits involved in such a cowardly act.
Singh also directed senior police and administrative officials to keep tabs on the situation, secure the release of all the civilians and appealed to all civil society organisations and stakeholders to help calm down the situation.
Singh also warned that stringent action will be taken against those found responsible for any unlawful act and urged all to shun violence.
Singh's appeal came after Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), an apex body of Tangkhul Naga tribe, urged the chief minister for immediate intervention for the safe release of the civilians.
In a letter, TNL claimed that innocent civilians travelling along Ukhrul-Imphal route have been intercepted and held captive by Kuki groups.
Expressing the strongest condemnation and outrage at the alarming situation, TNL called for the government to secure the safe and unconditional release of the civilians without delay.
Meanwhile, the working committee of Ukhrul district of a Tangkul Naga civil society organisation, said more than 20 Tangkhul Naga civilians, including senior citizens and women, were being held and demanded their release within two hours, warning that the state and central governments would be held responsible for any consequences if action was not taken.
On the other hand, Kuki-based Shangkai Village Authority alleged that 'Tangkhul volunteers' fired upon villagers who were working in the fields, following which they were detained and "many of them continue to remain in detention."
It also said two members of their community, who had gone to repair a water pipeline, were fired upon and remain missing.
Gunfights between armed groups of two communities were also reported in nearby Thawai Kuki and Mahadeva areas in the district.