Manipur: Tensions escalate after ambush killings; reports of detentions and abductions surface in Kangpokpi, Senapati

Fresh tensions gripped Manipur on May 14 following the killing of four persons — including three church leaders — in an ambush in Kangpokpi and Noney district, even as separate incidents of alleged detentions and abductions were reported from Senapati and Kangpokpi districts.

Officials said a complaint was lodged with the Senapati Police alleging that 23 Kuki villagers, including women, elderly persons and minors, were unlawfully detained on Wednesday afternoon while returning home from work.

According to the complaint filed by Taphou Kuki Village Authority chairman Lenkhomang Chongloi, the incident occurred around 1:30 pm when seven trucks and one Maruti Alto carrying daily-wage labourers from Taphou Kuki village were stopped at two locations — near Senapati Petrol Pump at Rikhumai Taphou and at Phyamai Taphou near the gate of Mt Everest College.

The complaint alleged that the villagers were intercepted by locals and members of a student organisation despite travelling under police escort in the presence of State and Central security personnel. They were reportedly later taken towards Karong.

The reported detention came hours after an ambush at Saheibung Peak between Kotzim and Kotlen in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday morning, in which four persons, including two reverends and a pastor, were killed. Officials said the victims were travelling in a vehicle when they were attacked by unidentified armed assailants.

In a separate incident linked to the aftermath of the ambush, around 20 civilians from Konsakhul, a Liangmai Naga village, were reportedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei, a Kuki village in Kangpokpi district, on Wednesday afternoon. Security forces later launched rescue operations in the area.

Regarding to unfortunate incidents, the media rushed to the chief minister attending programme, taking advantage of the programme media query about incidents and initiatives taken up from government side. 

Speaking on the sidelines of a government programme for internally displaced students in Imphal on Thursday, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand said the government was engaged in negotiations to secure the safe release of villagers reportedly detained in Senapati district.

While, State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, along with MLAs, also visited JNIMS hospital, met the families of those killed in a separate recent ambush incident at Joujangtek in Noney district and expressed condolences.

Following the visit, the Home Minister held discussions with representatives of the Chiru community, including Deepu Gangmei and Jamhenlung Panmei from Tamenglong district, amid growing concerns over inter-community tensions.

Addressing reporters, Govindas Konthoujam said more than 38 civilians from both communities were still being held or unaccounted for. He said the government, civil society organisations and political leaders were engaged in negotiations to secure their release and prevent further escalation.

"Such incidents is being continuing in the state is highly condemnable. Being a human being we should love each other. How long it will pull on like this. We have got a very suspicious in our mind that there are some who doesn't want to restore peace in the state", said Govindas, adding incidents has been uprised to Home Affairs Ministry through IB. 

The latest incidents have once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Manipur, where ethnic tensions and sporadic violence have continued despite heavy deployment of State and Central security forces.