Manipur CM directs security forces to arrest those behind Kangpokpi killings
Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Thursday, August 27 directed security officials to identify, arrest and take action against those responsible for the killing of four members of the Liangmai Naga community in Kangpokpi district, an official statement said.
Singh chaired a high-level security meeting following the incident in the Kuki-majority district, where four Naga people were killed and another injured in an ambush.
The victims were travelling in a vehicle when armed militants allegedly attacked them around 8.30 am in an isolated area between Makui Ashang and Thabamba Naga.
"The government condemned the incident in the strongest terms... the chief minister instructed the security officials to nab and initiate action against the perpetrators of the crime," the statement said.
The meeting also decided that stringent action would be taken against anyone, irrespective of their community, found possessing illegal arms and weapons.
Security forces were directed to deal firmly with cadres of outfits under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement or engaged in peace talks with the government if they were found carrying weapons outside their designated camps.
Singh had on August 12 issued a 15-day ultimatum to people to surrender illegal weapons.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Mukesh Singh and other senior officials.
At least 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023 between valley-based Meiteis and Kukis living in the hill districts.
The violence continued after then Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned, prompting the imposition of President's Rule in the state on February 13, 2025. It was lifted nearly a year later on February 4, when Y Khemchand Singh took over as chief minister.
The Naga community had initially remained largely detached from the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. However, Nagas became increasingly involved in the violence this year.
The latest killings have raised fresh concerns over the security situation in the state.
