Joint security forces apprehended four suspected armed village volunteer cadres during operations linked to the abduction of six persons in Kangpokpi district.
Imphal, May 25: Joint security forces comprising Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force and Assam Rifles apprehended four individuals on Sunday during operations launched in connection with the abduction of six persons from Leilon Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district earlier this month.
According to an official statement, the six individuals were allegedly abducted on May 13, 2026, following which a series of search and combing operations were launched to trace the missing persons and identify those involved in the incident.
Officials said one such operation was carried out on May 25 along the stretch between P. Moljol and Leilon Vaiphei inter-village road, where four persons were apprehended by the joint security team.
The apprehended individuals were identified as Thangkhomang Khongsai (51) of Patbung village in Kangchup, Seikholet Khongsai (40) of Mongbung Tongneh in New Keithelmanbi, Luminthang Dimngel (27), and Kamgoual Khongsai (30).
According to the statement, the four individuals are suspected to be active cadres of armed village volunteer groups operating in Kangpokpi district. Security agencies also suspect their involvement in activities including extortion, criminal intimidation, and illegal possession of arms and ammunition.
Officials said the role of the apprehended persons in the abduction case is under investigation and would be examined further during the course of inquiry.
The abduction case involving six Liangmai Naga villagers has emerged as one of the most sensitive developments amid the continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur. Reports indicate that the victims, including at least one pastor, were allegedly abducted while travelling through Kangpokpi district on May 13. However, officials have not yet made any final attribution regarding responsibility for the incident.
The incident triggered widespread protests and demonstrations by several Naga civil society organisations, including the United Naga Council and Liangmai community bodies. Sit-in protests, highway blockades and public appeals demanding immediate intervention by the government were reported from different parts of the state.
The situation later evolved into a broader hostage crisis involving both Naga and Kuki civilians. According to reports, more than 38 civilians from both communities were allegedly held captive in different areas during the escalation. While several individuals were reportedly released later, the six abducted Naga villagers remained missing at the time of the latest available reports.
Some unverified claims circulating on social media alleged that the missing villagers may had been killed. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding those claims so far.
Meanwhile, Yumnam Khemchand Singh had earlier announced that the case would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency for investigation. The state government also appealed to community organisations and civil society groups to cooperate in efforts aimed at tracing the missing persons and preventing further escalation.
Church organisations and local leaders are also understood to have initiated mediation efforts amid fears that the ongoing tensions could reopen deeper fault lines between Naga and Kuki communities, recalling the violent ethnic clashes witnessed during the 1990s.
Officials said investigation into the case is continuing.
