Imphal: Two weeks after the May 13 abduction incident in Kangpokpi district, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday visited Makhan village and met Naga victims currently taking shelter at a relief camp there.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, MLAs Awangbow Newmai, H Dingo Singh, Ram Muivah, Khashim Vashum, Leishiyo Keishing, J Kumo Sha and Janghemlung Panmei, along with Commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar and Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner Mahesh Chaudhari, among others.
Makhan village is currently housing internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Makhan Baptist Church relief camp, including Naga women and children from Konsakhul village who were recently abducted and later released by armed miscreants.
During the visit, Khemchand Singh held a closed-door meeting with the victims and listened to their grievances.
Speaking to reporters later, the Chief Minister said four suspects believed to be involved in the abduction of six Naga civilians had already been arrested. He added that the government was treating the matter seriously and that search and combing operations by security forces were continuing to trace the remaining hostages.
“The government shares the sentiments of the people regarding the hostage issue. We are hopeful the hostages will be traced soon,” he said.
According to sources, some of the released women hostages reportedly informed the Chief Minister’s team that a police constable was allegedly among those involved in the abduction.
The released hostages also reportedly identified four other men.
However, there has been no official police confirmation regarding these allegations or the identities mentioned by the victims. Security forces have so far arrested four suspects in connection with the abduction, and investigations remain ongoing.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho said the state government had taken note of the allegations regarding the involvement of a police constable and assured that a proper investigation would be conducted.
During the visit, the Chief Minister also distributed relief materials, including rice, dal, potatoes, onions, edible oil, sugar, tea leaves and biscuits, to the inmates of the relief camp.
Officials said around 35 people are currently taking shelter in the village.
Khemchand Singh also inspected the village community hall and discussed with village leaders and district officials the possibility of accommodating more displaced persons. He instructed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure the supply of essential items such as mattresses and mosquito nets.
The Chief Minister was briefed by the chairmen of Makhan and Konsakhul villages about the hardships faced by displaced families.
The Makhan village chief also informed the Chief Minister that several Naga families in Kangpokpi district had fled their villages out of fear amid the continuing tensions in the region.
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