Security forces have arrested four persons in connection with the abduction of six Naga civilians who remain missing amid rising tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in parts of Manipur.
The arrests were made on Monday during a joint operation conducted by the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force and Assam Rifles along the inter-village road between P. Molding and Leilon Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district.
The arrested persons were identified as Thangkhomang Khongsai, Seikholet Khongsai, Lunminthang Dimngel and Kamgoulal Khongsai. According to police, the four are suspected to be active members of armed village volunteer groups operating in Kangpokpi district and are allegedly involved in activities such as extortion, criminal intimidation and illegal possession of arms and ammunition.
Police stated that the role of the arrested individuals in the abduction of six Naga civilians is under investigation. The abductions reportedly took place on May 13 in Kangpokpi and adjoining areas following violent incidents in which four civilians, including three church leaders associated with the Thadou Baptist Association, were killed in separate attacks.
The incidents triggered a wave of retaliatory abductions and heightened tensions between Kuki and Naga groups in the region. According to official sources, a total of 31 abducted persons — including Nagas, Kukis and one Meitei individual — have so far been rescued or released. However, six Naga civilians are still unaccounted for.
The United Naga Council has alleged that the six missing civilians continue to be held hostage, while family members of the abducted persons have claimed that armed cadres wearing combat uniforms linked to the Kuki National Front were involved in the abduction. The KNF is among the Kuki militant groups currently under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government.
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur has also alleged that members of the Kuki community are being held captive by Naga groups, reflecting the growing mistrust and volatility in the affected hill areas.
The state government has launched search operations to trace the missing civilians as concerns continue to mount over the deteriorating law and order situation in the region.