Fresh violence and allegations of hostage-taking intensified tensions in Manipur on Thursday, with state Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam claiming that more than 38 people belonging to the Naga and communities were being held by different groups across the state amid worsening unrest in the hill districts.
The remarks came after a series of violent incidents left at least four people dead, including three church leaders in Kangpokpi district and a civilian in Noney district, prompting shutdowns, protests and renewed fears of escalation in the conflict-hit state.
Speaking to reporters, Konthoujam said the government was coordinating with civil society organisations and political leaders to secure the release of those allegedly detained.
“In total, more than 38 people from both communities were detained by different groups. We are actively holding discussions with civil society groups and political leaders to secure their release,” he said.
The minister added that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had been informed about the situation and alleged that “some people don’t want peace to return to Manipur”.
The violence has further strained relations between communities already reeling from months of ethnic conflict. On Wednesday evening, Taphou Kuki village chairman L Chongloi lodged a complaint at Senapati police station alleging that 23 villagers travelling in seven trucks and a car were detained by unidentified persons while passing through the area.
Security agencies are yet to verify the whereabouts of those allegedly detained, though officials said investigations and negotiations were continuing.
The deteriorating security situation also triggered shutdowns called separately by Kuki-Zo and Naga organisations in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Chandel districts on Thursday. Markets remained shut, public transport stayed off the roads and educational institutions witnessed thin attendance in several areas.
The protests were organised against the killing of the three church leaders in Kangpokpi and the fatal ambush in Noney district.
Also read: Three church leaders dead after militants open fire in Manipur
Family refuses to claim victim’s body
The family of Wilson Thanga, the civilian killed in the Joujangtek ambush in Noney district, has refused to claim his body until the Manipur government assures action against those responsible for the attack.
Thanga, a member of the Chiru Naga community from Dolang village, was killed on Wednesday evening after suspected armed militants allegedly ambushed a vehicle near Joujangtek village. His wife and the driver sustained injuries in the firing while returning home from Imphal.
His body was kept at the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences on Thursday, where several leaders, including Home Minister Konthoujam and Naga legislators Awangbow Newmai, Dinganglung Gangmei, SS Olish, Kashim Vashum and Janghemlung Panmei, visited to offer condolences.
Chiru Union general secretary Daniel termed the attack “highly condemnable” and said Thanga was the sole breadwinner of his family. The union has demanded immediate arrest of the perpetrators, compensation for the bereaved family and a government job for a family member.
“Until we receive assurance or reach an understanding with the government, the body will not be claimed,” Daniel said.
MLA Awangbow Newmai condemned the violence and appealed to church leaders and civil society organisations to unite against unlawful activities in the state.
Thousands mourn slain church leaders
A massive outpouring of grief was witnessed in Kangpokpi on Wednesday night as thousands gathered to receive the bodies of three church leaders killed in an ambush allegedly carried out by suspected militants.
The bodies were brought to the District Hospital morgue, where members of the Kuki-Zo community, church leaders and civil society organisations assembled for an overnight condolence vigil marked by prayers and hymns.
The killings have triggered widespread anger across Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, further heightening tensions in the already volatile hill districts.
According to funeral arrangements announced by community organisations, the bodies were to be taken to the office of the Committee on Tribal Unity at Brigadier M Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi on Thursday morning for a public tribute ceremony.
Later, the remains would be moved to the Thadou Baptist Association India Church at Motbung for mourning services and funeral observances. The burial is scheduled for Friday within the church campus.
The back-to-back killings and hostage claims have once again exposed the fragility of the security situation in Manipur, where ethnic divisions continue to fuel violence despite repeated appeals for peace and reconciliation.
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