Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Security forces have intensified combing operations to rescue six abducted men from the Liangmai Naga community, including a pastor, who were allegedly abducted by armed men in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district last week.
Amid escalating tensions, a delegation of the Liangmai Naga Council and the Liangmai Naga Women’s Union met Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and demanded immediate intervention to secure the release of the hostages.
The six men, all residents of Konsakhul village, were abducted on May 13. The delegation told the Chief Minister that if the men were found dead, their bodies should be handed over to their families to allow them to perform final rites.
The delegation also urged the state government to deploy Manipur Police personnel in vulnerable Liangmai villages to prevent further attacks and ensure civilian safety.
The Chief Minister said state police and personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force are carrying out intensive search operations in the affected areas.
Appealing for calm, he said the government was making efforts to de-escalate tensions and urged all communities to refrain from violence.
The Liangmai Naga Council, LPNR and LNKR jointly submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister outlining their grievances and security concerns.
In a statement posted on social media, the Chief Minister said, “The Government remains committed to exploring every possible measure to restore normalcy and ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all civilians.”
The Liangmai Council Nagaland also condemned the abduction, noting that despite the release of 14 Nagas and 14 Kukis on May 15, the six Liangmai Naga men were still unaccounted for.
Describing the abduction as a “gross violation of human rights”, the council warned that failure to secure the release of the hostages could trigger “collective retaliatory measures” by the Naga community. It also held the Kuki Inpi Manipur and Kuki civil society leadership responsible for any untoward consequences arising from the situation.