Tensions Rise in Manipur Following Hostage Situation and Ambush
Escalating Tensions in Manipur
Manipur CM visiting injured after deadly Kangpokpi ambush on Wednesday (Photo: AT)
Imphal, May 13: Following the tragic deaths of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district, tensions have surged in Manipur. The United Naga Council (UNC) has reported that approximately 20 individuals from Konsakhul village are allegedly being held captive in the Leilon Veiphei area.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, the council indicated that these civilians were reportedly abducted around 10:45 am by suspected armed individuals in Leilon Veiphei.
So far, at least 15 of the abducted have been identified, including residents from Konsakhul village, Maram in Senapati district, Juna in Kangpokpi district, and members of the Gorkha community.
Among those reportedly taken are a pastor named Kenpibou from Juna village and another individual known as Rev. Manu.
The UNC condemned the incident, labeling it as 'unacceptable' and asserting that targeting innocent civilians and taking them hostage breaches the principles of a civilized society.
This incident follows an ambush on leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association, including Rev. V. Silthou, the former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, which has further heightened tensions in the region.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the attack, calling it a 'dastardly terror act' and warned against community-based hostage-taking and intimidation.
He expressed that the attack on innocent civilians is profoundly troubling and devastating for both the affected families and the state as a whole.
The injured individuals have been transferred to Shija Hospitals and Research Institute for medical care. The Chief Minister, along with Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, visited the victims at the hospital.
The Chief Minister announced that the state government would cover all medical expenses for the injured and instructed officials to ensure they receive the best possible treatment.
While asserting that Manipur is gradually progressing towards peace, Singh cautioned that any attempts to disrupt normalcy would not be tolerated.
He urged all community members to promote peace, exercise restraint, and avoid emotional reactions, calling for an immediate halt to abductions and intimidation.
Furthermore, he assured that the government would utilize all available resources to identify and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.