By NE NOW NEWS
Imphal: Fresh violence in Manipur has left at least four people dead, with state Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Thursday claiming that more than 38 people from the Kuki and Naga communities were being held hostage by different groups across the state.
The minister said the government was coordinating with civil society organisations and political leaders to secure the release of those allegedly detained amid renewed tensions in the hill districts.
“In total, more than 38 people from both communities were detained by different groups. We are actively holding discussions with civil society groups and political leaders to secure their release,” Konthoujam told reporters.
The remarks came a day after suspected militants shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi district.
In another incident near Jouzangtek in Noney district, a civilian was killed and his wife injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire, officials said.
Konthoujam later visited the family of the deceased civilian and also went to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East district, where the body was kept for post-mortem examination. Three Naga legislators accompanied him during the visit.
“We have apprised the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and efforts are underway to secure their release. We suspect that some groups do not want peace to return to Manipur,” the minister said.
The latest incidents have deepened tensions between communities already affected by prolonged ethnic unrest in the state.
On Wednesday evening, L Chongloi lodged a complaint at the Senapati police station alleging that 23 villagers travelling in seven trucks and a car were detained by unidentified persons while passing through the area.
Security agencies have not confirmed the whereabouts of the allegedly detained individuals, though officials said investigations and negotiations were continuing.
Meanwhile, shutdowns called separately by Kuki-Zo and Naga organisations disrupted normal life in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Chandel districts on Thursday. Markets remained shut, public transport stayed off the roads, and educational institutions reported low attendance in several areas.
The shutdowns were called in protest against the killing of the three church leaders and the civilian in Noney district.
Both the Manipur and Mizoram governments have condemned the attacks and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.