Imphal, July 11 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday reiterated that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government is taking all necessary steps to ensure justice in connection with the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district nearly two months ago.

The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to ensuring justice in the case involving the abduction and killing of the six Naga civilians at Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.

Based on information provided by the victims’ family members, two of the identified suspects have already been arrested, Chief Minister Singh told the media on the sidelines of the launch of “Uningthou Uyok” (a dedicated tree plantation drive) at the Socio-Economic and Environment Development Society (SEEDS) Complex in Olympian Park in Imphal West district.

Recalling the incident, the Chief Minister said that on May 13, three pastors were killed in an ambush by unidentified persons and around 18 people were subsequently captured at Leilon Vaiphei village by suspected Kuki militants.

Of the 18 people, 12 were later released while six were abducted. Their bodies were subsequently recovered.

Chief Minister Singh added that he had visited Makhan village along with Meitei and Naga MLAs to meet the bereaved families.

During the visit, the victims’ family members identified five individuals allegedly involved in the incident.

“Based on the names provided by the families of the victims, two suspects have already been apprehended,” Chief Minister Singh said.

Responding to a query on the remaining suspects, the Chief Minister added that it is the responsibility of the state government and law enforcement agencies to ensure their arrest and that necessary instructions have already been issued to the concerned authorities.

According to a police official, a joint team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Manipur Police on Friday arrested a couple from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district for their alleged involvement in the abduction and killing of the six Naga civilians.

Earlier, Chief Minister Singh had announced that the cases relating to the abduction and killing of the six Naga villagers, along with the murder of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13, had been handed over to the NIA for a comprehensive investigation.

The “Uningthou Uyok” initiative aims to promote environmental conservation through the plantation of Uningthou, the state tree of Manipur.

The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, SEEDS and the Editors’ Guild Manipur.

As part of the programme, the Chief Minister planted an Uningthou sapling. Following the event, Chief Minister Singh inspected various facilities at Olympian Park and reviewed the condition of its infrastructure.

Expressing concern over the condition of the park, including issues relating to water supply and maintenance, the Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to take immediate steps for restoration and improvement so that the park could be revived for public use at the earliest.

On the reopening of Olympian Park, Chief Minister Singh said that although many people are still hesitant to visit places perceived as unsafe, the overall situation is gradually improving with the return of peace.

He expressed hope that the park would be reopened to the public in the near future.

MLA Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh, Managing Director of the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited (MPHC Ltd) L Kailun, Imphal West Deputy Commissioner Mayanglambam Rajkumar, Director of Environment and Climate Change T. Brajakumar, members of the Editors’ Guild Manipur, senior government officials and other dignitaries were present at the programme.

–IANS

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