Combing operations are underway to trace those held hostage by armed groups: Manipur CM

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. | Photo credit: ANI

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Thursday (May 28, 2026) that security forces are conducting search and combing operations to trace those held hostage by the armed forces.

During a visit to Makhan Naga village in Kangpokpi district, he told reporters that four persons have been arrested who are suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of six Naga people.

The government is taking the issue seriously and security forces are carrying out search and combing operations to trace the hostages, the chief minister said.

More than 38 people were kidnapped and held hostage by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13, hours after three church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district.

Of these, 31 people, including 12 Naga and 16 Kuki women, were released. However, the six Naga men continued to be held hostage and their whereabouts are still unknown.

Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes in the state, claimed that 14 people from the community continued to be held hostage by Naga groups.

Mr. Singh said an investigation was underway to nab the culprits and assured the people that the hostages would be traced soon.

Makhan Naga Village in Kangpokpi District is also located in Kangpokpi District.

Mr. Singh met those who took shelter at Makhena Baptist Church and distributed relief materials.

A village headman told the chief minister that many Nagas in Kangpokpi district had left their villages out of fear.

Published – 28 May 2026 14:18 IST