Manipur's Chief Minister Calls for Disarmament Amid Hostage Crisis

Urgent Call for Disarmament in Manipur

Imphal, May 20: In light of a deteriorating hostage situation in Manipur, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh emphasized the critical need for disarming civilians throughout the state. This statement came as Naga women organized protests demanding the safe return of six hostages.

During a meeting with representatives from the Tangkhul Naga community in Sinakeithei village, Singh acknowledged the community's concerns. The delegation, which included Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, urged the government to enhance security measures in the region due to increasing fears of militant attacks and worsening law enforcement conditions.

The group also requested more personnel at the Sinakeithei police station and the restoration of operations at the sub-divisional collector’s office. “Disarming individuals with firearms across the state is an urgent necessity. Peace is the only solution; Manipur has no other option,” the Chief Minister stated.

He further encouraged community leaders to guide the youth away from violence and towards peace-building initiatives. “Leaders from all communities must persuade the youth to reject violence and strive for peace in the state,” Singh added.

Sinakeithei village has experienced multiple gunfire incidents attributed to suspected militants following clashes between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga factions since February.

This unrest follows a violent ambush on May 13 in Kangpokpi district, which resulted in the deaths of three church leaders, igniting further violence, accusations, and a series of abductions among rival tribal groups.

In response, security forces have ramped up search and rescue operations across the hilly terrains of Kangpokpi district to locate the remaining hostages believed to be held by armed groups.

Police confirmed that search efforts are ongoing in the hill ranges surrounding Leilon Vaiphei, Songtun, Khunkho, and P Molding villages, utilizing sniffer dogs as part of the rescue mission.

Manipur security forces deploying sniffer dogs under the search operation for remaining hostages (Photo: AT)

In the meantime, Naga women’s organizations have initiated protests across various hill districts, including Noney, Khoupum, Ukhrul, and Senapati, demanding the unconditional release of the six hostages.

In Senapati, the Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA), under the Naga Women’s Union, held a sit-in protest calling for immediate legal action against those allegedly involved in the abductions. “The uncertainty surrounding the missing persons is causing immense fear and anguish among families,” a protester stated during the demonstration.

Naga Women Union flooding streets across hill districts in Manipur demanding safe release of hostages (Photo: AT)

The ongoing unrest has further strained relations between tribal organizations and the state government. Just a day prior, Kuki Inpi Manipur accused the government and security forces of conducting “selective action” during combing operations in Kuki-dominated areas of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts, while allegedly neglecting the concerns of the Kuki-Zo community.

The organization also expressed worries regarding the lack of progress in the investigation into the murders of the three church leaders. On May 19, a ten-member delegation of church leaders from the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) and other Baptist organizations met with leaders of the United Naga Council and Naga civil society groups in Senapati to discuss potential measures to alleviate the crisis.

“We appeal for the unconditional release of hostages from both sides on humanitarian grounds,” Rev. Dr. Namseng R. Marak, Secretary General of CBCNEI, stated after the meeting, urging all communities to exercise restraint and pursue peace.

With inputs from agencies