Imphal: The High Court of Manipur has directed the state government to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) by June 8, 2026, on efforts made to trace six Naga men allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13.
The direction was issued on Thursday during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sundar and Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh.
The PIL was filed by T. Mark Khapai, president of the Naga Lawyers’ Association, Manipur, seeking the court’s intervention over the continued disappearance of the six men. Advocate D. Julius Riamei appeared on behalf of the petitioner.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Riamei said the court had directed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to file a detailed ATR outlining the steps taken so far in connection with the case.
He said the PIL was necessitated by the absence of any information regarding the whereabouts or condition of the six abducted persons even weeks after the incident.
“Since May 13, 2026, nobody knows their whereabouts. Nobody knows whether they are alive or not, or whether they are safe. Therefore, we were compelled to file this Public Interest Litigation before the High Court of Manipur,” Riamei said.
The advocate also told reporters that a significant development emerged during the hearing regarding the alleged involvement of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
According to Riamei, while the state government had earlier indicated through media reports that the case had been handed over to the NIA, the Deputy Solicitor General of India informed the court that the agency had not received any official communication regarding the matter.
“It was categorically stated before the court by the Deputy Solicitor General of India that the NIA is yet to receive any intimation in this regard. The statement has also been recorded by the Hon’ble Court in its order,” he said.
The matter is scheduled to come up for further hearing on June 8, when the state government is expected to place its Action Taken Report before the court.
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