A police personnel posted in Kangpokpi district is under investigation for his alleged involvement in the abduction and killing of six Naga men during the ethnic violence in Manipur, according to a report published by The Hindu.
Quoting a senior government official, the report stated that the policeman was recently interrogated by the Kangpokpi Police after investigators found indications that he may have played a role in the abduction of the six Naga men. The victims’ mutilated bodies were recovered on June 10.
The report said the investigation is still underway and the exact role of the police personnel has not yet been established. It added that Naga women who were abducted and later released had reportedly mentioned the policeman in their statements to investigators, leading to further questioning.
The six Naga men were among several civilians abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district, shortly after the killing of three Thadou-Kuki church leaders in the same area. Along with the six men, their family members were also taken hostage. Twelve others, including women and children, were later released.
Following widespread public outrage over the killings, the Manipur Government transferred the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). However, the report noted that the NIA has yet to make any arrests in connection with the case.
The report also recalled that at least 44 civilians from both Kuki and Naga communities were abducted in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13. While several victims were released in phases, 14 members of the Kuki community held captive were freed on June 9, while the bodies of the six missing Naga men were recovered by security forces the following day.
The development comes as Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the security situation in Manipur on Saturday. According to the report, Shah directed security agencies and the NIA to intensify action against those responsible for violence and abductions, irrespective of affiliation, and expressed concern over the slow pace of investigations. He also reportedly called for dismantling the narcotics network operating in the region.
The report further observed that the continuing instability in Kangpokpi district has severely disrupted transportation along National Highway-2, a critical lifeline connecting the Meitei-dominated valley with the Naga-majority Senapati district and other hill areas.