Four persons were arrested in Kangpokpi as Manipur Police continue probing the disappearance of six Nagas.
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IMPHAL — Security forces have arrested four individuals in Kangpokpi district as part of operations launched to trace six missing persons and investigate alleged incidents linked to their disappearance, police said.
According to Manipur Police, the four individuals — identified as Thangkhomang Khongsai (51) of Patbung village, Kangchup; Seikholet Khongsai (40) of Mongbung Tongneh, New Keithelmanbi; Lunminthang Dimngel (27); and Kamgoulal Khongsai (30) — were apprehended on May 25 by a joint team of Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles.
The arrests were made in the area between P Molding and Leilon Vaiphei inter-village road.
Police said a series of operations had been launched following the alleged abduction of six individuals from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13.
In a press note issued late Monday night, Manipur Police stated that the arrested individuals were suspected to be active cadres of armed village volunteer groups in Kangpokpi district and were suspected to have been involved in anti-social activities, including extortion, criminal intimidation and possession of arms and ammunition.
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Police further stated that the role of the apprehended individuals in the alleged abduction of the six persons was under suspicion and would be determined during the course of investigation.
“Further investigation follows,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Naga civil society organisations have continued to demand the immediate release of the six villagers who were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei.
According to reports available in Imphal, around 51 individuals were allegedly detained across Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13, hours after three church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district.
While most of those reportedly detained have since been released, Naga bodies maintain that the whereabouts of six villagers remain unknown.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has also claimed that 14 Kuki individuals continue to be held hostage.
KIM, which imposed a total shutdown in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas from May 13, announced that the agitation would continue from midnight of May 25 until those responsible for the May 13 incident are brought to justice.
Separately, the United Naga Council (UNC) had announced an inter-district economic blockade along national highways in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur on May 17.