Imphal, May 28 (IANS). Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday said security forces have arrested four suspects in the kidnapping of six Naga civilians. The state government is looking at this entire matter very seriously and large-scale search operations are being conducted continuously to safely rescue the kidnapped people.
The Chief Minister said that police and other security agencies are carrying out coordinated operations in different areas. Search and combing operations have been intensified to locate the abducted persons as soon as possible and bring them back safely.
Speaking to the media during his visit to Makhan Naga village in Kangpokpi district, the Chief Minister said, “Investigation is underway to nab the culprits involved in this unfortunate incident that took place on May 13. The government understands the public sentiment regarding the people taken hostage and they will be traced soon.”
A relief camp has been set up in Makhan Naga village for internally displaced people (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence. The Chief Minister met the people living in Makhen Baptist Church here. These included Naga women and children from Konsakhul village, who were recently taken hostage by armed militants and later released.
The Chief Minister also distributed essential relief materials like rice, pulses, potatoes, onions, edible oil, sugar, tea leaves and biscuits to the people living in the relief camps. At present about 35 people are living in this relief camp.
He also inspected the community hall of the village and discussed with the village head and district officials the possibilities of accommodating more displaced people. The Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi to immediately provide mattresses, mosquito nets and other essential items in the relief camp.
The village head told the Chief Minister that many Naga families in Kangpokpi district had left their villages due to fear.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Losi Dikho, MLAs Lishio Kishing, Awangbou Newmai, Haikam Dingo Singh, Janghelmang Panmei, Khashim Washum, Ram Muivah, J. Kumo Sha, Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar, and several senior officials including Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner Mahesh Choudhary were present.
The Chief Minister was welcomed when he reached Makhen Baptist Church Guest House. During this, the presidents of Makhan village and Konsakhul village informed about the problems and difficulties of the people living in the relief camp.
On the other hand, central and state security forces continued joint search operations in Kangpokpi, Senapati and surrounding districts of Manipur on Thursday. Security agencies are trying to rescue 20 people from Naga and Kuki communities who are still held hostage by armed groups.
According to a police official, around 50 Naga and Kuki community members were taken hostage by different militant groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following the violence on May 13. In the same violence, three church leaders were killed, while four others were injured.
After sustained efforts by authorities, community leaders and several social organizations, around 30 people were released on 14 and 15 May.
In a joint operation conducted on May 25, teams of Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles arrested four people from the area between P. Molding and Lelon Vafei villages in Kangpokpi district, the police officer said.
The arrested accused have been identified as Thangkhomang Khongsai (51), Seikholet Khongsai (40), Lunminthang Dimangal (27), and Kamgaulal Khongsai (30).
–IANS
VKU/ABM