Manipur CM: Naga abduction case to be handed over to NIA

The case involving the abduction of six Naga villagers will be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced Saturday. This follows a meeting between Singh and a six-member delegation from the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex Naga body, at his Imphal residence.

The UNC delegation urged the government to intensify efforts to locate the six Naga villagers abducted from Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi district. Singh assured the delegation that the case would be transferred to the NIA for investigation. He also confirmed that the NIA is already investigating the killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13.

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The Chief Minister informed the UNC delegation that the case of the six abducted Nagas would be handed over to the NIA.

Search and rescue operations for the missing villagers have been ongoing since May 14. The Chief Minister appealed to the UNC to assist in securing the release of 14 Kuki civilians who, according to the government, have also been held captive since the violence erupted. He further called on Kuki community leaders to cooperate in tracing the abducted Naga villagers and urged all communities to support efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state.

Tension between the Naga and Kuki groups has heightened following twin ambushes in Kangpokpi and Noney districts on May 13, which resulted in four deaths, including three church leaders and one Naga man. Officials report that 31 people abducted during the recent violence, 14 Nagas, 16 Kukis, and one Meitei, have since been released. However, 14 Kukis and six Nagas remain in captivity.

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The Chief Minister also said that the killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13 had already been handed over to the NIA for investigation.