The Central and state security forces in Manipur’s Kangpokpi, Senapati, and nearby areas are persisting with joint search operations for the eighth consecutive day to free individuals still held captive by armed groups. Efforts involve intense combing and search operations in hill ranges around Leilon Vaiphei village, Songtun village, Khunkho village, and P. Molding village of Kangpokpi district. Manipur state police Commandos and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel are collaborating in these operations across Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
Over 40 individuals from the Kuki and Naga communities were taken hostage by different groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts after the tragic incident on May 13, where three Baptist church leaders were killed and four others injured. However, following continuous endeavors by authorities, community leaders, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), 30 individuals from both communities were released on May 14 and 15.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh informed Naga community leaders that intensive combing operations are underway in suspected areas by state police and CRPF personnel to locate the missing villagers. The Chief Minister has called for peace and urged all communities to refrain from violence, emphasizing cooperation with the government to restore peace, harmony, and normalcy in the state.
A group of ten church leaders has been visiting Senapati district to ease ethnic tensions between the Naga and Kuki tribal communities. Following a meeting with Chief Minister Singh, the church leaders engaged with representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), and other civil society organizations to address the tense situation and discuss ways to alleviate the crisis stemming from the hostage incident.
The church leaders have made a strong appeal for the unconditional release of hostages from both sides on humanitarian grounds. The delegation comprises church leaders from the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI), the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF), and the Baptist World Alliance (BWA).
