Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday said the state government is taking all necessary steps to ensure justice in the Leilon Vaiphei abduction case, adding that two of the five suspects identified by the victims’ families have already been arrested.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the ‘Uningthou Uyok’ plantation drive at the SEEDS Complex in Olympian Park, Imphal West, the Chief Minister recalled that three pastors were killed in an ambush by unidentified armed men on May 13.
He said that following the incident, around 18 people from Leilon Vaiphei were allegedly captured by suspected Kuki militants. While 12 were later released, six were abducted.
Khemchand said he had visited Makhan village along with Meitei and Naga MLAs to meet the affected families. During the visit, the families identified five individuals allegedly involved in the abduction.
“Based on the names provided by the victims’ families, two suspects have already been apprehended,” he said.
Responding to a question on the remaining accused, the Chief Minister said it is the responsibility of the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure their arrest, adding that necessary instructions have already been issued to the authorities.
Earlier in the day, Khemchand launched ‘Uningthou Uyok’, a tree plantation initiative under the Department of Environment and Climate Change’s ‘Ching-Pat-Turel’ campaign at the SEEDS Complex in Olympian Park, Imphal West district.
The programme aims to promote environmental conservation through the plantation of Uningthou, Manipur’s state tree. It was jointly organised by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, SEEDS and the Editors’ Guild Manipur. The Chief Minister also planted a Uningthou sapling as part of the initiative.
After the programme, Khemchand inspected various facilities at Olympian Park and reviewed the condition of its infrastructure. Expressing concern over issues related to water supply, maintenance and the overall condition of the park, he directed the concerned officials to take immediate steps to restore and improve the facilities so that the park can be revived for public use.
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On the reopening of Olympian Park, the Chief Minister said that although many people remain hesitant to visit places perceived as unsafe, the overall law and order situation is gradually improving with the return of peace. He expressed hope that the park would be reopened to the public in the near future.
The programme was attended by MLA Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh, Managing Director of the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited (MPHC Ltd.) L Kailun, Imphal West Deputy Commissioner Mayanglambam Rajkumar, Director of Environment and Climate Change Dr T Brajakumar, members of the Editors’ Guild Manipur, senior government officials and other dignitaries.
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