Manipur hostage crisis: Security forces launch massive rescue ops in Kangpokpi

Imphal: Security forces launched coordinated operations in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur on Monday to rescue individuals who remain in the custody of armed groups, according to law enforcement officials.

A senior officer stated that area domination exercises and targeted search operations are being conducted across multiple sectors of the hill district. The manoeuvres aim to recover "all missing persons and arrest those responsible for holding hostages."

The operations follow the release on May 14 and 15 of 31 individuals out of approximately 38 people from the Kuki and Naga communities who had been detained by armed factions in the Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.

The abductions occurred after suspected militants shot and killed three church leaders and wounded four others in Kangpokpi on May 13. In a separate incident in the Noney district, a civilian was killed, and his wife was injured. Following these attacks, the hostages were transported to undisclosed locations.

"In continuation of the operations to rescue the missing persons, combing and search operations were carried out by security forces in the hill ranges to the north west of Leilon Vaiphei and Kharam Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district," a police statement said.

The individuals successfully transferred to the custody of security forces included 12 Naga women from Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi, alongside four men and 10 women from the Kuki community in Senapati district.

Police authorities previously noted that the "majority of the detained civilians, belonging to different communities, have been released safely" as a direct result of the "concerted efforts" of the state administration, security forces, political figures, and civil society groups.

The situation has prompted further tribal mobilisation across the state. The United Naga Council, the primary organisation representing Naga tribes in Manipur, initiated inter-district blockades along National Highways 2 and 37 on Sunday night. The group is demanding the immediate release of six Naga men who are believed to be held captive by militants.

Concurrently, Kuki Inpi Manipur, the leading body for the state's Kuki tribes, asserted that 14 members of their community remain missing and continue to be held hostage by various armed factions within the Senapati district.

With inputs from PTI