India, May 15 -- Twenty-eight civilians belonging to Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities who were allegedly held captive amid escalating ethnic tensions in Manipur have been released in coordinated handovers between Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, officials said on Friday.

According to officials, 14 individuals from each community were released following negotiations and intervention by security agencies after violent incidents occurred earlier this week.

The releases came a day after suspected armed militants launched separate attacks in Kangpokpi district and Noney district of Manipur on Wednesday, killing three church leaders and injuring four others, while in a separate incident in neighbouring Noney district, one civilian was kill...