A delegation of the Liangmai Naga Council and the Liangmai Naga Women Union on Tuesday met Yumnam Khemchand Singh and appealed for the immediate release of six missing men, including a pastor, who were allegedly abducted by unknown armed men in Kangpokpi district on May 13.According to members of the delegation, the six men belong to Konsakhul village and were reportedly taken hostage by suspected armed groups from the area. A Liangmai tribal leader told the Chief Minister that if the missing men were no longer alive, their bodies should at least be returned to their families so that proper last rites could be performed.
The delegation also urged the state government to deploy additional police personnel in vulnerable Liangmai villages located in Kangpokpi district to ensure the safety of residents. Responding to the appeal, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh informed the delegation that personnel of the state police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are conducting combing operations in suspected areas to trace the six missing persons. Appealing for calm amid the tense situation, the Chief Minister said the state government was making all possible efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the affected areas. He also appealed to all communities to avoid violence and cooperate with the government in maintaining peace.
The memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister jointly highlighted the concerns and demands of the Liangmai community. It was signed by the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC), Liangmai Pui Naga Ruangdi, Manipur (LPNR) and Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, Manipur (LNKR).
