Militants abduct village leader in Manipur

Imphal: Suspected Kuki militants have abducted a Naga villager leader from Saikul area in Senapati district of Manipur, police said on Monday.

 Mathotmi Chahong, Secretary of Island Tangkhul village, was abducted from his house by suspected armed Kuki militants on February 7 last. Various social organisations including United Naga Council have urged the abductors to release Chahong safely and urgently.  No individual or group has claimed responsibility. More than 1000 lives had been lost during ethnic clashes between the Nagas and the Kukis in early 1990s. The clashes broke out when both the Nagas and the Kukis wanted to drive out each other from their strongholds in the state, sources said.