Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: A joint team of central security forces and state police intensified twin operations to rescue 20 abducted tribals belonging to the Naga and Kuki communities and to arrest insurgents and anti-social elements involved in the abduction.
A total of 115 nakas/checkpoints were set up in different districts of Manipur.
In continuation of the operation to rescue the missing persons, combing and search operations were carried out by joint security forces in the hill ranges to the northwest of Leilon Vaiphei and Kharam Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district.
Search operations are continuing, though no rescue of the abducted individuals has been made so far, officials said on Monday.
During the anti-insurgency operations, reports stated that an active cadre of the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Laishram Jivan Singh (38) of Langmeidong, residing at Khabam Lamkhai Makha Leikai under Heingang PS in Imphal East district, was arrested.
Manipur Police said they will continue their drives to curb motor vehicle offences. From May 11, 2026, to May 17, 2026, they issued 82 challans to traffic offenders, amounting to a total of Rs 1,12,500.
From May 10, 2026, to May 16, 2026, tinted films were removed from 22 vehicles, and one vehicle was seized.
Notably, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the United Naga Council (UNC) enforced shutdowns and an economic blockade in their respective areas following a violent May 13 ambush in Kangpokpi and Noney districts.
Three Thadou church leaders and a Naga man were killed, and five others were injured in the attacks.
The violence led to several Naga and Kuki individuals being taken hostage. While 28 hostages, 14 from each of the two communities, have been exchanged, the whereabouts of the remaining hostages, 14 Kuki people and 6 Naga individuals, remain unknown.
Civil bodies have intensified calls for their safe release at the earliest.