Imphal, May 15: Twenty-eight members of the Kuki and Naga communities who were allegedly held captive by armed groups in Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Senapati districts have been released, police said on May 15, amid escalating security concerns following a series of violent attacks across the state.
According to police officials, the victims had been taken to “unknown areas” after suspected militants carried out separate attacks on Wednesday in different hill districts of Manipur.
The violence included the killing of three church leaders and injuries to four others in Kangpokpi district. In a separate incident in neighbouring Noney district, one civilian was killed while his wife sustained injuries after armed men allegedly opened fire on their vehicle.
A senior police officer said 12 Naga women from Konsakhul village, who had reportedly been “held captive by armed militants”, were released at Makhan village.
Police also confirmed that 14 members of the Kuki community, including four men and ten women, who had allegedly been kept in captivity in Senapati district, were handed over to security forces late on Thursday night.
In another development, authorities stated that “two Salesian brothers of Don Bosco, including one from Nagaland”, were also released separately by the armed groups.
The incidents have heightened concerns over civilian safety in the hill districts of Manipur, where tensions and sporadic violence have continued amid the prolonged ethnic unrest in the state.
State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam had earlier stated that the government was actively engaging with civil society organisations and political leaders to secure the release of those allegedly held captive.
Security forces have since intensified surveillance and movement in vulnerable areas following the attacks and hostage-related incidents. Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests in connection with the killings or alleged abductions.
