Four arrested in Naga hostage case as Manipur widens anti-insurgency operations

Imphal, May 28: Amid growing concern over the abduction of six Naga civilians in Manipur, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Thursday visited Makhan Naga village in Kangpokpi district, where he met internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering in a relief camp and assured swift action to secure the hostages.

Speaking to the press during the visit, the Chief Minister informed that four suspected persons, believed to be involved in the abduction, have already been arrested, while search and combing operations are continuing to trace the whereabouts of the hostages.

“The government shares the sentiments and concerns of the people regarding the hostage issue. Necessary steps are being taken and we are hopeful that the abducted civilians will be traced soon,” he said.

During the visit, Singh interacted with inmates staying at the Makhen Baptist Church relief camp, including Naga women and children from Konsakhul Village who had earlier been taken hostage by armed miscreants and later released.

As part of the relief measures, the Chief Minister distributed essential supplies among the displaced families. Officials present during the visit informed that around 35 inmates are currently staying at the camp.

The Chief Minister also inspected the village community hall and held discussions with local authorities and village leaders regarding arrangements for accommodating additional displaced persons if required.

During the interaction, the village chief reportedly informed Singh that several Naga residents across Kangpokpi district had fled from their villages due to fear arising from the prevailing security situation.

Meanwhile, in a significant development linked to insurgency-related activities in the state, Delhi Police arrested a top commander of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) during a joint operation carried out in the national capital.

The arrested militant leader has been identified as Haobijam Dilip Singh, also known by the alias “Taibangnganba,” who is believed to have established the KCP (Taibangnganba) faction and is considered one of the prominent underground insurgent leaders from Manipur.

The operation was jointly conducted by the Delhi Police Special Cell, Manipur Police and central intelligence agencies based on specific intelligence inputs.

According to senior security officials, Singh had reportedly travelled to Delhi to attend a confidential meeting aimed at expanding the militant network of the insurgent outfit. He was apprehended shortly after arriving in the capital.

Security agencies described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown against insurgent organisations operating in Manipur and neighbouring states.

Officials stated that Haobijam Dilip Singh has over a dozen criminal cases registered against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other laws.

He had allegedly remained underground for a long period and was wanted in connection with several insurgency-related incidents, including the 2018 killing of Thokchom Tony Singh.

Investigators are also probing whether the militant outfit had plans to expand operations outside the Northeast, including attempts to establish networks in metropolitan cities like Delhi.

Subsequently, security forces conducted search operations in Manipur’s Kakching district, leading to the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition, explosives and other logistical materials allegedly linked to militant activities.

Officials suspect the recovered weapons were intended to be used for militant operations and to trigger violence in Manipur and other regions.

Authorities said further investigations are underway to identify additional operatives connected to the network and uncover the wider plans of the insurgent group.