A joint team of security forces in Manipur has arrested four persons for their suspected involvement in the abduction of six Naga civilians following the killing of three church leaders earlier this month.
According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, personnel of the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and Central Reserve Police Force apprehended the four men from an inter-village road stretch between P Molding and Leilon Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district on May 25.
The six missing persons, including church leaders, reportedly went missing from Leilon Vaiphei village after unidentified gunmen ambushed and killed three church leaders on May 13.
The arrested persons were identified as Thangkhomang Khongsai (51), Seikholet Khongsai (40), Lunminthang Dimngel (27) and Kamgoulal Khongsai (30).
“The individuals are suspected to be active cadres of armed village volunteer groups in Kangpokpi district and are suspected to have been involved in anti-social activities such as extortion, criminal intimidation and possession of arms and ammunition. Their role in the abduction of six individuals is suspected and will be ascertained during the course of investigation,” the statement said.
Earlier, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho had stated that organisations belonging to different communities had held at least 44 people hostage following the killing of the church leaders. Police said 31 people have since been released.
Meanwhile, Kuki-Zo organisations have alleged that 14 members of their community, including three minor students, continue to remain missing. A Kuki-Zo leader based in Churachandpur claimed that no arrests or probe had been initiated in connection with their disappearance.
The Kuki-Zo organisations have also extended their shutdown indefinitely. The shutdown was first called on May 13 demanding justice for the slain church leaders and release of the missing persons.
