Talks on for release of Naga leader

IMPHAL, April 19: Two negotiators, including a Christian pastor, held abortive talks with the Kuki National Front (Military Council) last night to secure the release of United Naga Council (UNC) president K.S. Paul Leo. Leo was abducted by KNF (MC) militants on Tuesday from National Highway 39 near Kethelmanbi village (in Kangpokpi sub-division) to deter the Nationalist Social Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) from supporting the Kuki Revolutionary Army - a rival outfit. The KNF(MC) has, in fact, demanded that the NSCN(IM) stop propping up the KRA as a precondition to Leo's release. The negotiators met KNF (MC) leaders as well as Leo in the jungles of Keithelmanbi. The negotiators returned home with a hand-written letter from the Naga leader. Sources said Leo appealed to the NSCN(IM) to stop its alleged support to the KRA. Leo's letter said he was in good health and taken care of by his abductors. The situation in all the five hill districts of Manipur continued to be tense today, including the Naga-dominated areas of Senapati district from where Leo hails. Security forces and police have been alerted to prevent any communal flare-up over the issue. Sources said Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), the Manipur Baptist Church and the All-Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) were the two main organisations which were involved in the negotiation. The UNC leaders met Manipur Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam this evening to discuss the issue. Though security forces were heavily deployed in the Keithelmanbi area, they could not launch any operation to rescue the Naga leader fearing it might not produce the desired results. Sources said the authorities laid emphasis on a negotiated release of Leo. Sources said Naga leaders had assured that they would try to persuade the NSCN(IM) not to aid the KRA in factional clashes with its rival outfit. Tribal welfare minister Haokholet Kipgen, also the Chief Minister's trouble-shooter, took charge of the negotiations. Kipgen has been authorised by Koijam to resolve the crisis. Talking to The Telegraph today, Kipgen said he was hopeful of a positive result by tomorrow. The minister said the negotiations went smoothly. Naga and Kuki leaders were trying to prevent a communal flare-up. Koijam chose Kipgen, a Kuki minister, for the mission as he is considered neutral by both the tribes. The NSCN(IM) has, however, demanded an unconditional release of the UNC president. It warned the KNF(MC) against any fallout of its "irresponsible" acts. Many voluntary organisations - including the All-Manipur United Clubs' organisation, National Identity Protection Committee, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup and All-Manipur Students' Union - have demanded the immediate release of Leo. Former Chief Minister and Congress MLA Rishang Keishing, while demanding Leo's release, called on the people to work for peace and harmony.