Search Operations Intensify in Manipur: Security Forces Hunt for Hostages

Ongoing Search Efforts in Kangpokpi District

Security personnel are actively engaged in search operations across the rugged terrains of Kangpokpi district, aiming to locate individuals who are still believed to be held captive by armed factions, as reported by local police on Wednesday.

The operation has seen the deployment of sniffer dogs to assist in the search, according to an official statement.

Authorities confirmed that combing operations are ongoing in the hilly areas surrounding the villages of Leilon Vaiphei, Songtun, Khunkho, and P Molding in Kangpokpi district, with the goal of rescuing those who are missing.

On May 13, over 38 individuals were reportedly abducted by armed groups in the Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, shortly after an ambush resulted in the deaths of three church leaders.

Officials have indicated that 31 of the abducted individuals have since been freed.

In a recent meeting, a leader from the Liangmai Naga community discussed the situation with Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh, emphasizing that if the missing individuals have perished, their remains should be returned to their families.

Conversely, the Kuki Inpi-Manipur, representing the Kuki tribes in the region, has alleged that 14 members of their community are currently being held hostage by Naga groups.