IMPHAL — Nearly a month after 14 Kuki individuals were abducted by armed groups in Manipur's Senapati district, all the hostages were released on Tuesday, an official said.

The release of the 14, who were abducted on May 13 following the killing of three church leaders in an ambush in Kangpokpi district, was facilitated by the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Naga community in Manipur, and other Senapati district-based civil society organisations.

"All of them were released safe and sound at the Senapati district headquarters in the presence of police and security forces," the official said.

UNC president Ng Lorho said the hostages were set free following appeals by the central and state governments, church bodies and apex tribal organisation.

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