Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, May 26: Joint security operations by Central and state forces continued across several sensitive areas of Manipur on Tuesday as authorities intensified efforts to rescue 20 members of the Naga and Kuki communities allegedly held captive by armed groups, officials confirmed.
According to senior police officials, large-scale combing and search missions involving the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Manipur Police are underway in the hilly regions around Leilon Vaiphei, Songtun, Khunkho and P. Molding villages in Kangpokpi district. Similar operations are also being carried out in Senapati and nearby districts to locate the missing persons and stabilise the situation.
Officials stated that nearly 50 people from the Naga and Kuki communities were reportedly abducted by various armed groups following the violent clashes that erupted on May 13 in Kangpokpi district. The violence claimed the lives of three church leaders and left four others injured.
Authorities said sustained intervention by security agencies, community elders and civil society organisations led to the release of around 30 hostages on May 14 and 15. However, 20 individuals are still believed to be in captivity.
During one of the latest operations on Monday, combined teams of Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles detained four suspects from the stretch between P. Molding and Leilon Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district. The arrested individuals were identified as Thangkhomang Khongsai (51), Seikholet Khongsai (40), Lunminthang Dimngel (27) and Kamgoulal Khongsai (30).
Police sources alleged that the four men are linked to armed village volunteer groups active in Kangpokpi district and are suspected of involvement in extortion, intimidation and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.
Investigators are also probing their possible connection to the abduction of six Naga villagers. Officials said further investigation is in progress.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had earlier announced that the cases related to the kidnapping of six Naga villagers and the killing of three church leaders had been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive probe.
During discussions with representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC), the Chief Minister said rescue efforts have been ongoing since May 14 to trace the abducted villagers from Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi district.
He also appealed to the UNC and Kuki community leaders to cooperate in securing the release of 14 Kuki civilians reportedly missing since the violence began.
Calling for peace and communal harmony, the Chief Minister urged all communities to support government initiatives aimed at restoring normalcy and long-term stability in Manipur.
Meanwhile, tension continues to grip the hill districts, with both Naga and Kuki-Zo groups staging separate protests over the recent violence. Public life remains severely disrupted in Kuki-Zo dominated regions, particularly in Kangpokpi district, where the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has enforced an indefinite shutdown since May 13 in protest against the killing of the three Baptist church leaders and the attack on four others.