IMPHAL, July 13 (HBTV): Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Monday said more arrests were expected within the next two days in connection with the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians, even as he acknowledged that something had “gone wrong” despite heavy security deployment during the recent violence and arson at Kanto Sabal near the Leimakhong military station.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme, Konthoujam said security operations were continuing to apprehend all those allegedly involved in the killing of the six Naga civilians.
“We have already arrested two culprits, and more are being arrested very soon. Our operation to nab all those culprits is continuing. Hopefully, within two days, we’ll be getting more arrests of those culprits,” the Home Minister said.
His statement comes after two suspects were arrested in connection with the May 13 abduction and killing of six Naga civilians at Leilon Vaiphei. The case has triggered widespread protests and demands for justice, with the victims’ bodies continuing to remain at the JNIMS mortuary.
Responding to questions about the violence at Kanto Sabal, where abandoned houses were targeted in an arson incident despite the area’s proximity to the Leimakhong military station and the presence of security forces, Konthoujam strongly condemned the incident.
“Things happen all of a sudden. We highly condemn it. There was also a lot of security deployment, but somewhere it has gone wrong,” he said.
The Home Minister said 20 people were arrested on the day of the incident, of whom three were detained while the others were subsequently released. He added that efforts were underway to apprehend more people allegedly involved.
“We have already arrested 20 persons on the same day. Out of those 20 persons, three have been detained and all others were released. We are trying to arrest more culprits. Action will follow,” Konthoujam said.
Asked about concerns over the incident occurring close to the military station, the Home Minister said security forces had been asked to remain constantly alert.
“We have already asked them to always keep alert. We have seen on social media what was going on on that very unfortunate day,” he said.
Konthoujam said Manipur Police, the CRPF and other state forces had already been deployed in the affected area, while additional forces would be sent to strengthen security.
He further disclosed that Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh convened a high-level security meeting at around 5.30 pm on Sunday to review the situation.
“Manipur Police have been deployed in the areas. CRPF and state forces have already been deployed, and the Hon’ble Chief Minister convened a high-level security meeting yesterday evening at around 5.30. We are going to deploy more security forces over there,” he said.
Earlier, speaking at the programme, Konthoujam welcomed the handing over of two ambulances to the Superintendents of Police of Thoubal and Bishnupur districts, describing the initiative as a noble contribution by the Manipur Drivers’ Association.
He said two ambulances had earlier been provided for Senapati and Tamenglong districts and were already in service. The two additional ambulances would now help police authorities in Thoubal and Bishnupur respond to road accidents and transport injured people.
Highlighting the increasing number of road accidents, Konthoujam said improved roads and newer vehicles had also contributed to speed-related risks, with accidents occurring frequently at different places.
He congratulated the Manipur Drivers’ Association for the initiative and urged it to continue such efforts so that similar ambulances could eventually be provided to other districts as well.