Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Makhan relief camp in Kangpokpi and said four suspects in the Naga hostage case have been arrested.
Imphal, May 28: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said four suspected persons believed to be involved in the kidnapping of six Naga civilians have already been arrested, while security forces continue search and combing operations to trace the remaining hostages.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Makhan Naga Village in Kangpokpi district, the Chief Minister said the government was treating the incident with seriousness and assured that efforts were underway to bring the hostages back safely.
He said investigations were continuing to identify and arrest all those involved in the incident. Stating that the government shared the concerns and sentiments of the public regarding the hostage crisis, he expressed confidence that the missing civilians would be traced soon.
The Chief Minister visited Makhan Naga Village, which is currently sheltering internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing unrest in the state. During the visit, he met inmates staying at the Makhen Baptist Church relief camp, including Naga women and children from Konsakhul village who were recently taken hostage and later released by armed miscreants.
Officials said around 35 inmates are presently taking shelter at the relief camp.
During the visit, Khemchand Singh distributed relief materials among the displaced families. The items included rice, dal, potatoes, onions, edible oil, sugar, tea leaves and biscuits.
The Chief Minister also inspected the village community hall and discussed with local authorities and village leaders the possibility of accommodating more displaced persons if required. He instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi district to ensure that all essential items, including mattresses and mosquito nets, are provided to the inmates staying at the relief camp.
According to officials present during the visit, the village chief informed the Chief Minister that many Naga families living in different parts of Kangpokpi district had fled their villages due to fear arising from the prevailing security situation.
Upon his arrival at Makhen Baptist Church Guest House, the Chief Minister was accorded a reception by local residents and community leaders. He was later briefed by the chairman of Makhan village and the chairman of Konsakhul village regarding the difficulties being faced by the displaced families staying at the camp.
The Chief Minister’s visit comes amid growing concern over the recent abduction of six Naga civilians in the conflict-hit region. Security agencies have intensified search operations in parts of Kangpokpi district following the incident.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit. Several legislators and senior officials were also present, including MLAs Leishiyo Keishing, Awangbou Newmai, Heikham Dingo Singh, Janghemlung Panmei, Khashim Vashum, Ram Muivah and J Kumo Sha.
Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar and Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi Mahesh Chaudhari also accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection of the relief camp and surrounding facilities.
The state government has been conducting relief and rehabilitation efforts in several districts affected by ethnic violence and displacement since the outbreak of unrest in Manipur. Relief camps across different districts continue to shelter families who were forced to leave their homes due to the conflict.
Local leaders at Makhan urged the government to strengthen security measures in vulnerable villages and ensure the safe return of all abducted civilians. They also appealed for continued humanitarian assistance for displaced families staying in relief camps.
