Manipur Home Minister assures arrest of perpetrators behind killing of six hostages

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Thursday, June 11 assured that those responsible for the killing of six hostages, whose bodies were recovered recently, would be arrested without fail.

The Home Minister made the statement while speaking to media persons after visiting the mortuary of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) to meet the bereaved families of the six Naga hostages believed to be among those whose bodies were recovered.

Responding to questions over the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the bodies, Konthoujam said the security forces had been conducting search operations since the six Naga individuals were abducted on May 13.

He said the recovery of the bodies came on the following day after 14 Kuki detainees were released by the Naga community, describing the development as a result of the “kind-hearted” gesture of the community.

The Home Minister acknowledged that there had been security lapses but said measures were being taken to strengthen security arrangements in the state. He informed that two CoBRA battalions had been deployed in Manipur to enhance security operations.

Appealing to people across the state to maintain peace, Konthoujam said that ensuring security alone would not be sufficient without cooperation from the public. He urged citizens to support efforts aimed at restoring normalcy and preventing further violence.

Terming the incident involving the abduction and killing of the six individuals as unprecedented, heinous and against humanity, the Home Minister said the government would ensure that the perpetrators were identified and brought to justice.

Konthoujam also appreciated the efforts of the newly appointed Director General of Police (DGP) for continuing the search operation to trace the missing hostages, whether dead or alive.

He further expressed appreciation for the Naga community’s decision to release the 14 Kuki detainees, calling it a gesture that contributed towards easing tensions.