The Manipur High Court on Thursday directed the state government to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) regarding the abduction of six Naga villagers from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district. The whereabouts of the victims remain unknown more than three weeks after the incident.
Court's Directive During PIL Hearing
The direction came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking urgent intervention to secure the safe release of the six individuals, who were allegedly abducted on May 13. Advocate D Julius Riamei, counsel for the petitioner, informed reporters after the hearing that the court instructed the state government to file the ATR by Monday, detailing the steps taken so far to trace the six abducted persons.
"Nobody knows their whereabouts. We do not know whether they are safe, alive, or dead. More than 20 days have passed since they were abducted," Riamei said. He added that the court specifically directed the government to provide a comprehensive account of all measures undertaken since the abduction.
Contradiction Over Investigation Status
The hearing also highlighted an apparent contradiction regarding the status of the investigation. While the Manipur government, in a communication to the United Naga Council (UNC), indicated that the case was being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Deputy Solicitor General reportedly informed the court that the agency had not received any intimation from the state government regarding the matter.
"The Deputy Solicitor General stated before the court that the NIA is yet to receive any intimation from the state government. This submission has also been recorded by the court," Riamei said.
