A joint team of state police, National Investigation Agency and Central Reserve Police Force on Friday arrested a couple for their alleged involvement in the killing of six Nagas in ethnic violence-hit Manipur.
In a post on website They added that further necessary inspection and seizure measures have been taken, in addition to the necessary legal procedures.
The six were among 20 Nagas who were kidnapped in Lilon Phifei village following a double ambush in Kangbukpi and Nonni areas that left four people dead, including three church leaders. On the same evening, the Nagas kidnapped 28 kuki. Fourteen Nagas and Kukis were released on 15 May. Fourteen Kukis were released unharmed on 9 June. The mutilated bodies of six survivors were found the next day.
Tensions between the Naga and Kuki have escalated since the double ambush on 13 May. Naga have blocked national highways, demanding justice.
Ethnic clashes in Manipur first began between the Meitei and Kuki communities before encompassing almost all communities. The state’s Meite and Kuki Zou communities have isolated each other from areas they dominate since ethnic clashes began in May 2023, killing at least 260 people and displacing 60,000.
The Metis people, most of whom are Hindu, live largely in the Imphal Valley. The Kuki family, most of whom are Christians, reside in the hills. The state government confirmed that there are no buffer zones dividing communities in the state, but it has identified some sensitive areas.
In February, a new government was formed, almost a year after “presidential rule” was imposed. It includes representatives of the three main communities as part of an attempt to maintain ethnic balance.
