— Seven militants, including two senior leaders of different outlawed outfits, were arrested by security forces from separate districts of Manipur
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IMPHAL — Seven militants, including two senior leaders of different outlawed outfits, were arrested by security forces from separate districts of Manipur, while arms and ammunition were also recovered during the operations, officials said on Saturday.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people, including a large number of women and youths, staged a protest march in Imphal on Saturday, demanding justice for six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted on May 13 and whose bodies were recovered on June 19 from the vicinity of Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district.
A police official said the peaceful rally was organised by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM). The march began at Tangkhul Baptist Church in Dewlaland and covered about 4 kilometres before concluding at Manipur Baptist Church in Chingmeirong, Imphal West district.
ANSAM President Angteshang Maring said the march reflected the deep anguish and public outrage over the killing of the six civilians and reiterated the demand for justice for the victims and their families.
The killings have drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil society groups across the Northeast. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, and Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Thadou tribe, a constituent of the broader Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, have strongly denounced the incident.
Several prominent individuals and more than a dozen organisations have also condemned the killings and called for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Read: Manipur: Senapati defies heavy rain as thousands join candlelight vigil for 6 slain Nagas
The Manipur Chief Minister had earlier stated that the cases related 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 already been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a detailed investigation.
The police official said security forces arrested six cadres from different insurgent outfits, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), along with its political wing, the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF).
The militants were apprehended from various locations in Imphal West and Churachandpur districts during separate operations conducted by security agencies. Among those arrested were self-styled KCP captain Wangkhem Premjit Singh alias Kamcha alias Ibomcha (46) and self-styled Lieutenant Colonel and Director-in-Charge of Intelligence of the RPF/PLA, Sarangthem Jayenta Meetei alias Bicky alias Wanglen (48).
Security personnel also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the possession of the arrested militants during the operations.
The security forces, comprising both central and state agencies, have continued extensive crackdowns against insurgent groups across Manipur. Search operations and area domination exercises are being carried out in fringe, mixed-population and vulnerable areas to maintain law and order and prevent militant activities.
To strengthen security and monitor movement across the state, 118 nakas and checkpoints have been established in both the valley and hill districts. These measures are aimed at curbing the movement of anti-social and inimical elements and intercepting suspicious vehicles.
Security forces have also been providing escorts to vehicles, including trucks carrying essential commodities, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), one of the state's key supply routes. Strict security arrangements and convoy protection measures remain in place along sensitive stretches of the highway to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of vehicles and goods.
Manipur Police have urged the public not to believe rumours and to remain vigilant against fake videos, misinformation and misleading content circulating on various social media platforms. The police have appealed to citizens to verify information through official channels and cooperate with authorities in maintaining peace, stability and public order across the state.