Security forces conduct search operation in Manipur to trace those held hostage by armed groups

Security forces continue combing and search operations to rescue missing persons in the mountain range around Leilon Vaiphei, Songtun, Khunkho and P. Molding villages in Kangpokpi District. A representative image of the file | Photo credit: PTI

Security forces are conducting search operations in the interior hills of Kangpokpi district in search of people still being held hostage by armed groups, police said on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).

Sniffer dogs have also been deployed in the operation, the official said.

“Security forces are continuing combing and search operations to rescue missing persons in the mountain range around Leilon Vaiphei, Songtun, Khunkho and P. Molding villages in Kangpokpi district,” police said in a statement.

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

Thirty-one of them have already been released, officials said.

On Tuesday (May 19, 2026), community leader Liangmai Naga met Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh and said that even though the missing persons are dead, their bodies should be handed over to their families.

On the other hand, Kuki Inpi-Manipur, the apex body of Kuki tribes in the state, claimed that 14 people from the community were held hostage by Naga groups.

Published – 20 May 2026 11:46 IST