Four people were arrested on Monday in connection with the May 13 kidnapping of six Naga individuals from Lilon Phifei in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
The arrests were made during a joint operation by state forces, Assam Forces and CRPF in the area between B.Moulding and Lilon Vivi Road between the villages.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Thangkumang Khongsai (51) of Patpong Village, Kangchob, and Sekolet Khongsai (40) of Mongpong Tongneh, New Kethelmanby; Lonminthang Dimengil (27) and Kamjulal Khongsay (30).
“The individuals are suspected to be active cadres of armed village volunteer groups in Kangbukpi district and are suspected of being involved in anti-social activities, such as extortion, criminal intimidation and possession of arms and ammunition,” a police statement said.
“The role of the arrested persons in the kidnapping of six people is suspected and will be confirmed during the investigation,” the statement said.
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The kidnapping began on May 13 after unknown assailants killed four civilians, including three church leaders, in two separate incidents in Kangbukpi and Nonni areas. Among the deceased were three leaders of the Thado Baptist Association and a Naga man.
Following the incident, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Kunthujam said that members of the Kuki and Naga communities were detained by members of the corresponding communities. 28 individuals, 14 from each community, were released on May 15.
The United Naga Council (UNC), the community’s apex body, claimed that six Naga civilians (all male) were still being held hostage. The government launched a search operation to track them down.
Witnesses and wives of the kidnapped Nagas claimed that the six were kidnapped by the Kuki armed group – the Kuki National Front (KNF) – while wearing military uniform. The KNF is a Kuki-affiliated armed group that is under suspension of operation (SoO) with the government. Kuki groups also claim that 14 members from their side are still being held by the other side.
