Reported by: Bit Irom
Imphal: Amid rising tensions following the killing of four persons, including three church leaders, in Manipur on Wednesday, reports have emerged of alleged abductions and detentions in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
Officials on Thursday said a complaint was lodged with the Senapati police alleging that 23 individuals were unlawfully detained by locals and a student organisation at the Senapati Petrol Pump in Rikhumai Taphou on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the complaint filed by the chairman of Taphou Kuki Village, the group was returning from work in eight vehicles when they were stopped at two separate locations – the Senapati Petrol Pump and Phyamai Taphou near the entrance gate of Mt Everest College.
The complaint alleged that the individuals were detained by locals along with members of the Senapati District Students Association and were later reportedly taken towards Karong.
It further claimed that the vehicles were travelling under the escort of the State police and that the incident took place in the presence of both State and Central security forces.
In a separate incident, around 20 civilians from Konsakhul, a Liangmai Naga village, were reportedly abducted from Leilong Kuki village in Kangpokpi district at around 10:45 am on Wednesday.
Sources said the alleged abductions took place shortly after two reverends and a pastor were killed in an ambush at Saheibung Peak between Kotzim and Kotlen earlier in the day.
Most of those allegedly abducted were residents of Konsakhul village, while some others had reportedly travelled to the area to attend a wedding ceremony, sources added.
Following the incident, teams from the Kangpokpi police and Central armed forces rushed to the area and launched efforts to rescue the abducted civilians.