Top KCP militant leader arrested in Delhi amid Manipur hostage crisis
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said four suspected persons believed to be involved in the abduction of six Naga civilians have already been arrested. He stated that the government took the issue seriously and that security forces’ search and screening operations were continuing to locate the hostages.
A senior police officer in Manipur, who did not want to be named, said Singh had come to Delhi to hold some meetings. He is facing more than 12 cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other related charges.
He said that after interrogation, security forces launched a rescue operation in Manipur’s Kakching district, during which a significant amount of arms, ammunition and logistics material were seized. Security forces seized weapons, ammunition and a mobile phone.
Speaking to reporters at Makhan Naga Village in Kangpokpi District, the Prime Minister said that investigations are on to catch the culprits involved in the unfortunate incident. Stating that the government shares the sentiments of the people regarding the hosting issue, he assured that the hostages will be traced out soon.
Makhan Naga Village in Kangpokpi district was hosting a Relief Camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). He visited the village and met with the prisoners who took refuge in the Makhen Baptist Church. The prisoners include children and Naga women of Konsakhul Village, who were recently taken hostage by armed miscreants and released.
The Prime Minister also distributed relief materials such as rice, dal, potatoes, onions, cooking oil, sugar, tea leaves and biscuits. The total number of prisoners currently housed in the village is around 35.
Khemchand Singh also inspected the village community hall and discussed the possibility of housing more IDPs with the village headman and district officials. He instructed Deputy Commissioner Kangpokpi to provide all necessary items such as mattresses and mosquito nets. The village chief told the Prime Minister that many Nagas in Kangpokpi district had left their villages due to fear.
The official said that following the violence in Kangpokpi district on May 13, in which three church leaders were killed and four others injured, at least 50 people belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities were allegedly held hostage by different armed groups in the Kangpokpi district, where the Kuki-Zo live, and the Naga-majority Senapati region.
According to the official, around 30 people from both communities were released on May 14 and 15 after sustained efforts by authorities, community leaders and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Khemchand Singh had earlier said that cases related to the kidnapping of six Naga villagers and the murder of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13 have been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for detailed investigation.
Meanwhile, tension continued to prevail in the hill districts as both Naga and Kuki-Zo communities separately agitated over the recent violence, especially after the brutal killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders and injuries to four others in Kangpokpi district on May 13.
Following the complete lockdown of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) from midnight on May 13 following the killing of three Baptist Church leaders in the hill district and the injuries of four others, normal life continued to be severely affected in Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas, especially in Kangpokpi district. KIM is one of the apex bodies representing the Kuki tribal community.
