Guwahati: Manipur Police on Tuesday announced the apprehension of four individuals in Kangpokpi district for their suspected involvement in the abduction of six Naga civilians on May 13. The victims are believed to still be held hostage.
Details of the Arrest
According to a police statement, the suspects are believed to be active members of armed village volunteer groups in Kangpokpi district. They are suspected of engaging in anti-social activities, including extortion, criminal intimidation, and possession of arms and ammunition. Their role in the abduction of the six individuals is under investigation.
Police Operations
Following the abduction of the six individuals from Leilon Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district, security forces launched a series of operations to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. On Monday, joint security forces comprising Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Assam Rifles apprehended four individuals from the area between P Molding and Leilon Veiphei along an inter-village road.
The apprehended persons were identified as Thangkhomang Khongsai (51), Seikholet Khongsai (40), Lunminthang Dimngel (27), and Kamgoulal Khongsai (30).
Hostage Situation
The Naga community is demanding the release of their six men held captive by Kuki groups. Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes, claims that 14 members of their community are also being held hostage by Naga groups.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated on Saturday that the case will be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He appealed to the United Naga Council (UNC) to help secure the release of the 14 Kuki civilians still in captivity and urged Kuki organizations to cooperate in tracing the six missing Nagas.
Background
The abductions occurred on May 13, hours after three church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district. More than 38 people were taken hostage in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, of whom 31 have since been released. The UNC claims six Naga men remain untraced, while the Kuki Inpi Manipur claims 14 Kuki members are still held by Naga groups.
