Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced on Wednesday that security forces are continuing search and combing operations to locate the hostages. He confirmed that four suspected individuals believed to be involved in the kidnapping of six Naga civilians have already been arrested.
Chief Minister Visits Makhan Naga Village
Speaking to the media at Makhan Naga village in Kangpokpi district, the chief minister stated that the investigation is progressing to apprehend all culprits linked to the incident. He emphasized that the government shares the sentiments of the people regarding the hostage issue and promised that the hostages will be traced soon.
Makhan Naga village currently houses a relief camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs). During his visit, the chief minister met with inmates taking shelter at the Makhen Baptist Church. Among them are Naga women and children from Konsakhul village, who were recently taken hostage and later released by armed miscreants. The total number of inmates currently sheltering in the village is around 35.
Inspection and Discussions
The chief minister also inspected the village community hall and held discussions with the village chief and district officials about the possibility of sheltering more IDPs. He instructed the Kangpokpi deputy commissioner to provide all necessary items, such as mattresses and mosquito nets. The village chief informed the CM that many Nagas in Kangpokpi district had left their villages due to fear.
The CM was accompanied by Deputy CM Losii Dikho, MLAs Leishiyo Keishing, Awangbou Newmai, Heikham Dingo Singh, Janghemlung Panmei, Khashim Vashum, Ram Muivah, J Kumo Sha, Home Commissioner N Ashok Kumar, and DC Mahesh Chaudhari, among others.
According to a government statement, the CM was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival at the Makhen Baptist Church guest house, where he was briefed by the Makhan village chairman and the Konsakhul Village chairman on the hardships being faced by the inmates.
