Crisis – Security Teams Intensify Rescue Efforts in Manipur’s Kangpokpi Region

Crisis – Security forces have expanded search operations across remote hill areas of Kangpokpi district as efforts continue to locate individuals believed to be held captive by armed groups in the conflict-affected region.

Authorities said on Wednesday that coordinated search missions are underway in several villages and nearby forested stretches of Kangpokpi district. Police officials confirmed that trained sniffer dogs have also been brought in to support the rescue operations, which have entered a critical phase following recent violence in the area.

Search Operations Continue Across Hill Villages

According to an official police statement, security personnel are carrying out combing operations in the hill ranges surrounding Leilon Vaiphei, Songtun, Khunkho and P Molding villages. The operation is focused on tracing people who remain missing after armed groups reportedly abducted dozens of civilians earlier this month.

Officials stated that security teams are moving through difficult terrain while attempting to gather intelligence on the whereabouts of the hostages. The deployment includes multiple units working together to search isolated pockets of the district where communication and transportation remain challenging.

Background of the Abduction Case

The current rescue efforts follow a violent incident that took place on May 13 in Kangpokpi district. On the same day that three church leaders were killed in an ambush, more than 38 individuals were allegedly taken hostage by armed groups operating in Kangpokpi and neighbouring Senapati district.

Authorities later confirmed that 31 of those abducted had already been released. However, several people are still reported missing, prompting continued security operations in the region.

The killings of the church leaders and the subsequent abductions triggered widespread concern among local communities, with residents demanding stronger intervention from the administration and security agencies.

Community Leaders Seek Clarity on Missing Persons

On Tuesday, a representative of the Liangmai Naga community met Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh to discuss the situation surrounding the missing individuals. During the meeting, the community leader reportedly appealed for transparency regarding the fate of those still unaccounted for.

The representative stated that even if the missing persons were no longer alive, their remains should be returned to family members so that proper last rites could be conducted. The appeal reflected growing anxiety among affected families who have been waiting for updates since the abductions occurred.

The state government has not publicly disclosed further details regarding the condition or location of the remaining missing individuals. However, officials indicated that rescue operations would continue until concrete information is obtained.

Kuki Organisation Raises Separate Hostage Claim

Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi-Manipur, a leading organisation representing Kuki tribes in the state, issued a separate claim related to the ongoing tensions. The group alleged that 14 members of the Kuki community were currently being held hostage by Naga armed groups.

The statement has added another layer of complexity to an already fragile security situation in the hill districts of Manipur, where ethnic tensions and armed clashes have repeatedly disrupted daily life over the past year.

Security experts believe that restoring trust between communities remains essential for long-term stability in the region. At present, authorities continue to focus on rescue efforts while maintaining a heavy security presence in sensitive areas.

Police officials have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing operations as investigations into the incidents continue.