The Central and state security forces are conducting joint search operations in Manipur’s Kangpokpi, Senapati, and nearby districts to rescue 20 Naga and Kuki community members held hostage by armed groups. Intensive combing and search operations are ongoing in mountainous areas like Leilon Vaiphei village, Songtun village, Khunkho village, and P. Molding village in Kangpokpi district. Similar efforts are being made in Senapati and surrounding districts to locate missing persons and restore normalcy in the region.
Around 50 individuals from the Kuki and Naga communities were reportedly held captive by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following violent incidents on May 13. After sustained efforts by authorities, community leaders, and civil society organizations, about 30 people were released on May 14 and 15. In a recent operation, four individuals suspected to be active cadres of armed village volunteer groups were apprehended in Kangpokpi district for alleged involvement in anti-social activities.
The apprehended individuals, identified as Thangkhomang Khongsai, Seikholet Khongsai, Lunminthang Dimngel, and Kamgoulal Khongsai, are believed to have engaged in extortion, criminal intimidation, and illegal possession of arms and ammunition. Their potential role in the abduction of six Naga individuals is under investigation. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has handed over the cases related to the abduction and killings to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a detailed probe.
Search and rescue operations have been ongoing since May 14 to locate the abducted Naga villagers. The Chief Minister has urged cooperation from the United Naga Council (UNC) to secure the release of 14 Kuki civilians still in captivity. He also called for support from the Kuki community to find the missing Naga villagers and restore peace in the affected areas. Stressing the importance of peace and communal harmony, the Chief Minister appealed to all communities to assist the government in normalizing the situation and ensuring lasting peace in Manipur.
Tension persists in the hill districts as the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities protest separately over the recent violence, particularly the killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders in Kangpokpi district. Normal life has been significantly disrupted in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, especially in Kangpokpi district, due to a total shutdown enforced by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) following the tragic events on May 13.
