Security Forces Scour Manipur Districts as 20 Hostages Remain Missing

Imphal: Joint teams of central and state security forces are conducting extensive search operations across the Kangpokpi and Senapati districts of Manipur. Authorities are working to locate 20 people from the Naga and Kuki communities who remain in captivity following a wave of ethnic violence that began on May 13.

The unrest, which resulted in the death of three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi, led to the abduction of approximately 50 individuals. While interventions from security agencies and civil society groups secured the release of 30 hostages on May 14 and 15, the remaining captives have yet to be found. The Kuki Inpi Manipur has maintained a total shutdown in response to the violence, severely disrupting daily life in the region.

The Manipur government has officially handed the investigation into the kidnappings over to the National Investigation Agency. In a letter to United Naga Council president N.G. Lorho, Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar explained that the NIA will lead an independent probe to ensure legal action against all responsible parties regardless of their status. Officials remain focused on apprehending those involved and strengthening security in vulnerable areas, while urging community stakeholders to assist in peace efforts and the lifting of economic blockades.