Imphal, May 28: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced on Thursday that security forces have apprehended four suspects in connection with the kidnapping of six Naga civilians. The state government is treating this case with utmost seriousness and is conducting extensive search operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.
The Chief Minister stated that police and other security agencies are coordinating efforts across various regions. Search and combing operations have been intensified to locate the kidnapped individuals as quickly as possible.
During a media briefing while visiting Makhan Naga village in Kangpokpi district, the Chief Minister remarked, “The investigation to apprehend the criminals involved in this unfortunate incident, which occurred on May 13, is ongoing. The government understands the public’s sentiments regarding the hostages and is committed to locating them soon.”
A relief camp has been established for internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence in Makhan Naga village. The Chief Minister met with residents at the Makhan Baptist Church, including Naga women and children from Konsakhul village, who were recently taken hostage by armed militants but later released.
He distributed essential relief supplies, including rice, lentils, potatoes, onions, cooking oil, sugar, tea leaves, and biscuits, to those residing in the relief camp, which currently houses about 35 individuals.
The Chief Minister also inspected the community building in the village and discussed with the village head and district officials the potential for accommodating more displaced individuals. He instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi to ensure that mattresses, mosquito nets, and other necessary items are made available at the relief camp immediately.
The village head informed the Chief Minister that many Naga families in Kangpokpi district have fled their homes due to fear.
Accompanying the Chief Minister were Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar Singh, MLAs, and several senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi, Mahesh Chaudhary.
Upon arriving at the Makhan Baptist Church guest house, the Chief Minister was welcomed. During this time, the heads of Makhan and Konsakhul villages shared the difficulties faced by those in the relief camp.
Meanwhile, central and state security forces continued their joint search operations on Thursday in Kangpokpi, Senapati, and surrounding districts. Security agencies are working to rescue 20 Naga and Kuki community members who are still held captive by armed groups.
According to a police officer, following the violence on May 13, approximately 50 individuals from the Naga and Kuki communities were kidnapped by various militant groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. This violence also resulted in the deaths of three church leaders, with four others injured.
Thanks to the persistent efforts of officials, community leaders, and various social organizations, around 30 individuals were freed on May 14 and 15.
A police officer reported that in a joint operation conducted on May 25, teams from the Manipur Police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles arrested four individuals from the area between P. Molding and Leilon Waifei villages in Kangpokpi district.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Thangkhomang Khongsai (51), Seikholeit Khongsai (40), Lunminthang Dimangal (27), and Kamgaulal Khongsai (30).
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