Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday, 11 July reaffirmed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government is pursuing all necessary measures to deliver justice in the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district nearly two months ago. The Chief Minister made the remarks on the sidelines of a tree plantation event in Imphal West, confirming that two suspects have already been arrested.

What Happened at Leilon Vaiphei Village

According to Chief Minister Singh, the sequence of violence began on 13 May, when three pastors were killed in an ambush by unidentified persons near Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district. Subsequently, around 18 people were captured at the same village by suspected Kuki militants. Of those, 12 were released, while six were abducted. The bodies of the six were later recovered.

Arrests and Investigation

Based on information provided by the victims' families, five individuals were allegedly identified during the Chief Minister's visit to Makhan village, where he was accompanied by Meitei and Naga Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). 'Based on the names provided by the families of the victims, two suspects have already been apprehended,' Chief Minister Singh told reporters.

According to a police official, a joint team comprising the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Manipur Police on Friday arrested a couple from Leilon Vaiphei village for their alleged involvement in the killings. The Chief Minister added that instructions have been issued to law enforcement agencies to secure the remaining suspects.

NIA Takes Over the Cases

Chief Minister Singh had earlier announced that both the abduction and killing of the six Naga villagers and the 13 May murder of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district have been handed over to the NIA for a comprehensive investigation. This transfer signals the Centre's involvement in a case that has drawn significant attention given Manipur's ongoing ethnic conflict.

Broader Context: Manipur's Fragile Security Situation

The killings occurred against the backdrop of prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur that has persisted since May 2023, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The targeting of Naga civilians adds a third dimension to the conflict, raising concerns about widening communal fault lines in the state. Notably, Chief Minister Singh also acknowledged at the event that many residents remain hesitant to visit public spaces perceived as unsafe, though he expressed hope that the overall security situation is gradually improving.

The Chief Minister's remarks came during the launch of 'Uningthou Uyok', a tree plantation drive at the Socio-Economic and Environment Development Society (SEEDS) Complex in Olympian Park, Imphal West, organised jointly by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, SEEDS, and the Editors' Guild Manipur. Singh also directed officials to urgently restore facilities at Olympian Park so it can be reopened to the public.