Manipur Chief Minister Transfers Abduction Case to NIA Amid Ongoing Tensions

In a significant move, Manipur's Chief Minister has transferred the investigation of the abduction of six villagers and the murder of church leaders to the National Investigation Agency. This decision follows a meeting with the United Naga Council amid rising tensions in the state. As search operations continue, unverified reports suggest the abducted villagers may have been killed. Protests demanding the Chief Minister's resignation have erupted, highlighting the growing unrest. The situation remains critical as various civil society organizations plan rallies in response to the ongoing crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 23, 2026, 18:29 IST

Chief Minister's Response to Recent Violence

A six-member delegation from the United Naga Council (UNC) met with the Chief Minister and his cabinet on Saturday.

Imphal, May 23: On Saturday, Y. Khemchand Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, announced that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take over the investigation into the abduction of six villagers and the murder of three church leaders in the Kangpokpi district, which occurred on May 13.

This decision followed a meeting with a six-member delegation from the United Naga Council (UNC) at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where they discussed the current law and order challenges in the state.

Since May 14, search and rescue operations have been ongoing to locate the six abducted Naga villagers, as stated by the Chief Minister.

Additionally, he requested the UNC's assistance in securing the release of 14 Kuki civilians who have reportedly been taken hostage since the onset of the crisis.

Chief Minister Singh also called on the Kuki community to help in the efforts to find the missing Naga villagers.

He urged all communities within the state to back the government's initiatives aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur.

Meanwhile, there are unverified social media reports suggesting that the six abducted Naga villagers may have been killed, although no official confirmation has been provided.

In light of these claims, various Naga civil society groups are reportedly organizing rallies and protests in response to the escalating hostage situation in Manipur.

Earlier in the day, members of the Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC) protested outside the Chief Minister's official residence, demanding his resignation amidst a heavy security presence.

The protest occurred around noon, led by MPYCC president W Anandh Singh, who, along with other Youth Congress members, marched to the Chief Minister’s residence, chanting slogans against the government.

During the demonstration, Anandh Singh knocked on the main gate of the Chief Minister's residence, declaring that “a Chief Minister in deep sleep should resign.”

The protesters accused the government of neglecting the ongoing crisis and voiced their frustrations outside the Chief Minister's bungalow.