Leo released safely after four days captivity

IMPHAL, April 21: UNC president and Naga leader, KS Paul Leo who was abducted by KNF (MC) cadres from Keithelmanbi area while he was on his way from Karong to Imphal on April 17 was released late last night after four days in captivity. With the release of the Naga leader, tension which has been shimmering all over the State, especially in Senapati district has finally cooled down putting at rest apprehension of yet another round of ethnic tension and conflagration. The abducted Naga leader reached Keithelmanbi today at about 1.30 am after his release by the militants. He was met by emissaries there and later proceeded towards Imphal. The final round of talk that led to his release was held between Government emissaries consisting of Haokholet Kipgen and Sericulture minister Jonathan. The KNF finally agreed to release after a marathon talk at about 9 pm yesterday. Paul Leo was accorded a warm welcome by various Naga and Kuki organisations at the official residence of Tribal Development Minister Haokholet Kipgen today at about 11 am. Recalling his days in captivity a haggard but obviously relieved Paul Leo told media persons that the abductors treated him with courtesy and respect. He said he was not even once threatened or manhandled. Leo said he had constructive talks with his captors in a cordial manner. His captors fully shared the view that any fresh outbreak of ethnic clashes between the Nagas and Kukis will be to the detriment of both parties. Paul Leo said that he told his captors that just as Kuki Inpi Manipur has no control over the activities of the KNF (MC), the UNC also has no control over the activities of the NSCN(IM). He appealed to people of both the communities to restrain themselves and not do anything inimical to peaceful co-existence. On the reported conditions laid down by the KNF (MC) for his safe release, Paul said he told the Kuki underground organisation that since the UNC has no control over the NSCN(IM) he is not in a position to give any assurances other than appeal for peace and unity. The KNF (MC) was also amenable to the suggestion of safe guarding peace at all cost and not let another round of ethnic conflagration erupt between the Nagas and Kukis again, informed Leo. Visibly tired, physically and mentally, Paul was not in a position to answer the number of queries put forward by the newsmen. Haokholet Kipgen who was personally picked by Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam to broker a deal and secure the release of Paul Leo told reporters that leaders of MBC, KSO and ANSAM played no mean role in exerting pressure and securing the safe release of Paul Leo. Kipgen added, the happy ending to the whole episode was due to the relentless appeals by various organisations and the whole hearted efforts put in by church leaders and leaders of both the Naga and Kukis. Chief minister Radhabinod Koijam also extended his best support to the endeavours to secure the safe release of Leo added Kipgen. Leo met the Chief Minister at his official residence today at around 8 am. Meanwhile KNF (MC) which was behind the abduction of the Naga leader today stated that Leo was released following appeals made by the NSCN (K), ANSAM, MBC, KSO and 53 other individuals from different organisations in the interest of peace and harmony among the tribals.