Manipur killings trigger retaliatory abductions, 38 people held hostage

Markets remained deserted, public transport stayed off the roads and schools reported thin attendance in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Chandel districts.

MPCC president and former CM Okram Ibobi Singh claimed the state’s law and order has collapsed, criticizing the Centre for remaining silent while civilians face insecurity and questioning the deployment of central forces mainly for election duties.

In Chandel district, the Chandel Naga People’s Organisation enforced a separate bandh following the killing of Wilson Thanga.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur announced a 48-hour bandh beginning Thursday midnight in protest of the killings, obstructing the Imphal-Dimapur route.

Konthoujam said discussions were underway with civil society groups and political leaders to secure the release of hostages; the state has apprised the Union Home Ministry of the situation.

In Konsakhul village, Naga women staged a protest; Konsakhul Village Authority alleged that villagers were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei on Wednesday morning.

Two Kuki-Zos (an 18-year-old girl and a 40-year-old ailing man) along with a Meitei civilian were released and handed over to Senapati police by the Naga Village Guard.

Manipur home minister Govindas Konthoujam said more than 38 people from Naga and Kuki-Zo communities were being held hostage by rival groups at different locations; 23 individuals were abducted from Taphou Kuki village in Senapati district.

Life was paralysed across Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Chandel districts as shutdowns called by Kuki-Zo and Naga organisations brought the hill areas to a standstill; markets were deserted and transport limited.

Hours after the initial killings, Wilson Thanga, a Chiru Naga, was gunned down in Noney district and his wife wounded. The bereaved family was visited by Manipur’s home minister along with Naga legislators.

Three Thadou church leaders were gunned down near Kotlen village in Kangpokpi district and a Chiru Naga civilian was killed in Noney district, with four others injured due to unprovoked firing by unidentified gunmen.