Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Jun 20: Security forces in Manipur have arrested seven militants, including two senior leaders of banned insurgent organisations, during separate operations carried out across multiple districts, officials said on Saturday.
The arrests came amid growing public outrage over the killing of six Naga civilians, with hundreds of people taking part in a protest march in Imphal demanding justice for the victims.
According to officials, a large number of women and youths joined the peaceful rally organised by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM).
The march began at Tangkhul Baptist Church in Dewlaland and covered nearly four kilometres before concluding at Manipur Baptist Church in Chingmeirong in Imphal West district.
ANSAM president Angteshang Maring said the demonstration reflected widespread anger and grief over the deaths of six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted on May 13. Their bodies were recovered on June 19 near Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district.
The organisation reiterated its demand for justice and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to book.
The killings have triggered strong reactions from leaders across the Northeast, including Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Neiphiu Rio, Conrad K. Sangma and Nemcha Kipgen.
Several civil society organisations and prominent individuals have also condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation.
The Manipur Chief Minister had earlier announced that the cases involving the abduction and killing of the six Naga villagers, along with the murder of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13, had been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a detailed probe.
Meanwhile, security forces arrested cadres belonging to several insurgent outfits, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and People's Liberation Army (PLA), along with its political wing, the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF).
Among those arrested were self-styled KCP captain Wangkhem Premjit Singh and self-styled Lieutenant Colonel and intelligence chief of the RPF/PLA Sarangthem Jayenta Meetei.
Authorities said a cache of arms and ammunition was recovered during the operations.
Security agencies have intensified search operations and area domination exercises across vulnerable, mixed-population and fringe areas to curb militant activities and maintain public order.
To strengthen surveillance, authorities have established 118 checkpoints across the state's valley and hill districts to monitor suspicious movements and intercept anti-social elements.
Security personnel are also escorting vehicles, including trucks transporting essential commodities, along the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), one of Manipur's key supply routes. Enhanced security measures remain in place along sensitive stretches to ensure uninterrupted movement.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police have appealed to residents not to believe rumours or circulate unverified information on social media. Authorities urged citizens to rely only on official sources and cooperate in maintaining peace and stability across the state.