Security forces continued combing and search operations in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district as part of the ongoing efforts to trace and rescue persons still held hostage by armed groups in the state. Area domination exercises and search operations are also being carried out in different parts of the hill district to rescue all missing persons and arrest those responsible for holding hostages. According to reports, 31 of around 38 persons belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities, who were held hostage by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts have been released till May 15. They were taken to undisclosed locations after suspected militants shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi on May 13, while a civilian was gunned down and his wife was wounded in Nooney district.
“In continuation of the operations to rescue the missing persons, combing and search operations were carried out by security forces in the hill ranges to the northwest of Leilon Vaiphei and Kharam Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district,” a police statement said. According to official sources, search operations were conducted in the hill ranges located to the northwest of Leilon Vaiphei and Kharam Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district. Authorities stated that the operations are continuing. Meanwhile, security forces on May 17 arrested an active cadre of the proscribed militant outfit PREPAK during a separate operation in Imphal East district. The arrested individual was identified as Laishram Jivan Singh (38), a resident of Langmeidong. He was apprehended from Khabam Lamkhai Makha Leikai under Heingang Police Station limits in Imphal East district. Further investigation is underway.
