Manipur Chief Minister Addresses Concerns Over Naga Civilian Abductions
Chief Minister's Visit to Makhan Naga Village
Chief Minister Singh interacting with IDPs in Makhan Naga Village in Kangpokpi. (AT Photo)
Imphal, May 28: In response to the alarming abduction of six Naga civilians in Manipur, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh visited Makhan Naga village in the Kangpokpi district on Thursday. During his visit, he met with internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in a relief camp and promised prompt action to ensure the safe return of the hostages.
While addressing the media, the Chief Minister revealed that four suspects linked to the abduction have been apprehended, and ongoing search operations are in place to locate the missing individuals.
“The government understands the public's concerns regarding the hostage situation. We are taking necessary measures and are optimistic about locating the abducted civilians soon,” he stated.
During his visit, Singh engaged with the residents at the Makhen Baptist Church relief camp, including Naga women and children from Konsakhul Village, who had previously been taken hostage but were later freed.
As part of the relief efforts, the Chief Minister distributed essential supplies to the displaced families. Officials indicated that approximately 35 individuals are currently sheltered at the camp.
Singh also assessed the village community hall and discussed with local leaders about potential arrangements for accommodating more displaced individuals if necessary.
During these discussions, the village chief informed Singh that numerous Naga residents in Kangpokpi district have fled their homes due to fears stemming from the current security climate.
Significant Arrests Related to Insurgency
In a related development concerning insurgency activities in the region, Delhi Police apprehended a high-ranking commander of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) during a coordinated operation in the national capital.
The arrested individual, identified as Haobijam Dilip Singh, also known as “Taibangnganba,” is believed to have founded the KCP (Taibangnganba) faction and is recognized as a key insurgent leader from Manipur.
This operation was a collaborative effort involving the Delhi Police Special Cell, Manipur Police, and central intelligence agencies, based on specific intelligence.
According to security officials, Singh had traveled to Delhi for a secret meeting aimed at expanding the militant network of his group. He was detained shortly after his arrival in the capital.
Authorities have termed this arrest a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent organizations operating in Manipur and surrounding areas.
Officials noted that Haobijam Dilip Singh has numerous criminal charges against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other statutes.
He had reportedly been in hiding for an extended period and was wanted for various insurgency-related incidents, including the 2018 murder of Thokchom Tony Singh.
Investigators are also looking into whether the militant group had intentions to extend its operations beyond the Northeast, including attempts to establish networks in major cities like Delhi.
Following this, security forces conducted search operations in Kakching district, resulting in the seizure of a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, explosives, and other materials allegedly associated with militant activities.
Officials suspect that the recovered weapons were intended for use in militant operations and to incite violence in Manipur and other areas.
Authorities have stated that further investigations are ongoing to identify additional operatives linked to the network and to uncover the broader objectives of the insurgent group.