Manipur CM assures justice in Leilon Vaiphei abduction case, says two suspects arrested

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday, July 11 said the state government is taking all necessary steps to ensure justice in the Leilon Vaiphei abduction case, stating 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 said the arrests were made based on information provided by the affected families.

Recalling the sequence of events, Singh said three pastors were killed in an ambush by unidentified persons on May 13. Following the incident, around 18 people were allegedly captured at Leilon Vaiphei by suspected Kuki militants. While 12 of them were subsequently released, six were abducted.

The Chief Minister said he had visited Makhan village along with Meitei and Naga MLAs to meet the affected families. During the visit, the victims identified five individuals allegedly involved in the abduction. Acting on the information, law enforcement agencies arrested two of the identified suspects.

Responding to questions on the remaining accused, Singh said it is the responsibility of the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure their arrest and added that necessary directions have already been issued to expedite the process.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister launched the 'Uningthou Uyok' plantation programme under the Department of Environment and Climate Change's 'Ching-Pat-Turel' campaign at the SEEDS Complex in Olympian Park. The initiative aims to promote environmental conservation through the plantation of Uningthou, the State Tree of Manipur.

The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, SEEDS and the Editors' Guild Manipur. The Chief Minister also planted an Uningthou sapling as part of the campaign.

Following the event, Singh inspected the facilities at Olympian Park and reviewed the condition of its infrastructure. Expressing concern over issues related to water supply and maintenance, he directed the concerned officials to undertake immediate restoration and improvement works to revive the park for public use.

On the reopening of Olympian Park, the Chief Minister said public hesitation to visit places perceived as unsafe still persists, but noted that the overall security situation has been gradually improving with the return of peace. He expressed hope that the park would be reopened to visitors in the near future.

The programme was attended by MLA Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh, Managing Director of Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited 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.