Imphal: The Manipur government has stepped up its counter-insurgency operations across the state, with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh pledging to bring to justice those responsible for the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians, while Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam announced a revamped security strategy following the recent deadly ambush on Assam Rifles personnel in Ukhrul district.
Addressing protesters at Namdilong in Imphal West district, Chief Minister Khemchand said security agencies are actively pursuing five militants suspected of being involved in the murder of six Naga civilians.
The six victims were abducted from Leilon (Vaiphei) village in Kangpokpi district on May 13, and their bodies were recovered nearly a month later. The killings triggered widespread outrage across the state, leading to protests and an indefinite economic blockade on National Highway-2 (NH-2) called by the United Naga Council (UNC).
The Chief Minister noted that the case is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), limiting the scope of direct intervention by the state government. However, he assured that the government is extending full cooperation to the central agency to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy, Khemchand said lasting peace cannot be achieved as long as illegal weapons remain in circulation. He asserted that the administration would continue efforts to recover all illegally held arms across the state, irrespective of the community or group involved.
Meanwhile, the state government has announced a major overhaul of its counter-insurgency strategy in the wake of the July 6 ambush near Nungshangohong village in Ukhrul district, in which two Assam Rifles personnel were killed.
The attack claimed the lives of Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman C.M. Singh of the 40 Assam Rifles and was described by officials as one of the deadliest assaults on security forces in Manipur since the 2015 Chandel ambush.
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the government has adopted a “new perspective” in its security operations, aimed at strengthening civilian protection while intensifying action against insurgent groups operating in the state.
Following discussions with CRPF Director General G.P. Singh, the minister said the Centre has agreed to deploy the Central Reserve Police Force’s elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), a specialised jungle warfare unit, to support operations against militants in difficult terrain.
Security has also been strengthened across Manipur, with coordinated operations involving central and state forces underway to dismantle insurgent camps, improve area domination and enhance intelligence-based counter-insurgency measures.